GLP-1 drugs have become mainstream weight loss landscape This year, however, some older Americans are reportedly bucking the trend.
A study published in JAMA in January 2025 looked at more than 125,000 overweight or obese people and found that about 47% of people with type 2 diabetes and 65% of people without diabetes stopped taking their prescribed GLP-1 within a year of starting it.
said Dr. John Batsis, a geriatrician and obesity expert at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. new york times A recent report said people over 65 are the drug’s “primary target” because the prevalence of obesity in older adults is about 40%.
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These drugs mimic a natural intestinal hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and are primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight management. However, it has also been tested to target various other conditions, including: sleep apnea syndrome and cardiovascular events.
Starting or stopping these drugs often results in weight gain, increased appetite, and loss of other associated health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol, according to Stanford Health and other experts. risk of Symptoms related to obesityheart disease and sleep apnea may also increase.
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Despite the risks, some older Americans are reportedly giving up on their lives. weight loss drugs There are many reasons, from severe side effects to the cost of climbing.
Below are four main reasons why older adults do not adhere to GLP-1 regimens.
The price of GLP-1 drugs is a major factor in continuing treatment, especially as shortages threaten their availability.
The New York Times profiled Mary Bucklew, a 75-year-old public transit worker who lives in Delaware. Through her, he was paying only $25 a month out of pocket. health insurance plan Receive Ozempic for weight loss.
Bucklew reportedly lost 25 pounds in six months and gained more energy. However, her insurance company informed her that it would no longer cover the drug, despite her claims that she needed it. for her health.
Without insurance coverage, Bucklew’s prescriptions would cost her more than $1,000 a month out-of-pocket, forcing her to stop taking them, according to reports.
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Some GLP-1 manufacturers are working to make their products more available. In December 2025, Lilly announced a reduction in the price of single-dose vials of Zepbound (tirzepatide).
“Far too many people in need of obesity treatment continue to face cost and coverage barriers,” said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president of Lilly USA, in a statement. “Today’s action underscores Lilly’s commitment to improving access to obesity care across the board. We continue to strive to provide more options.” — Expanding delivery device options and creating new access routes will help more people get the medicines they need. ”
Dr. Sue DeCotis, a New York City weight loss doctor, admitted in an interview with Fox News Digital that more than half of older adults stop taking GLP-1 drugs due to cost and side effects.
Common side effects often include: nausea, vomitingExperts say symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headaches, fatigue, and thinning hair.
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“Older patients may also be more sensitive to gastrointestinal side effects,” Decotis said. “Careful monitoring by a physician knowledgeable in the field of medical weight loss is essential.”
Elderly patients are initially dehydrated and often do not eat. enough water Decotiis said this is to offset the side effects of GLP-1.
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“A body composition analyzer measures water muscle mass and bone density and can give patients a graphical representation of what to do,” she advised.
In the official prescribing information for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, the drug company warns that nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, and says that “it is important to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration,” especially for people with underlying kidney conditions.
Decotis warned that muscle loss, another side effect of GLP-1 drugs, could be “adverse” in this age group.
If you are dehydrated or not eating enough proteinthey are likely to lose more muscle and less fat, she said.
The American Heart Association’s October 2024 review cites two recent studies showing that less than half of the weight loss with GLP-1 drugs is due to fat, and a significant portion is due to muscle mass.
muscle loss senior citizen This may increase your risk of falls and fractures. According to Harvard Health, you can lose up to 2% of your muscle mass each year after age 35, and that number increases to 3% after age 60.
Experts agree that people can take certain steps to combat the risk of semaglutide-related muscle loss.
“It starts with increased oversight from both patients and physicians,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida-based neurosurgeon and longevity expert, previously told FOX News Digital. He recommends that doctors regularly perform physical measurements of patients and adjust their physical condition. drug dosage If benchmarks are not met.
Health care providers who approve the use of these drugs without “closely monitoring” their patients could lead to drug failure, Decotis said.
“Customized dosing regimens often help patients avoid undue side effects and keep them healthy. burn more fat“This is the mechanism by which GLP drugs work long-term and systemically,” she told Fox News Digital. “For a given patient, high-quality compounded GLP-1 can achieve a targeted dose.”
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“Many patients who stop taking GLP-1 drugs could have continued on them with proper individualized care.”
