GLP-1 Survey: 37.5% of People Stop GLP-1s after Just 3 Months

GLP-1 Study 2025

Obesity rates are rising. Many people have started turning to GLP-1 drugs to help them lose weight. We dug in and did a survey for GLP-1. Our team conducted a survey of 264 weight loss patients. 

Key Findings

  • Average cost of GLP-1s is $167.3
  • 55.6% of GLP-1 users use Semaglutide drugs
  • 51.4% of GLP-1 users said they would use GLP-1s again
  • Nausea was the most common side effect reported by GLP-1 users
  • The average weight loss for GLP-1 users was 24.9 lbs
  • 64.7% of respondents reported eventually quitting GLP-1s
  • 52.8% of users reported obtaining GLP-1s through their primary care physician
  • 11.1% of participants reported using GLP-1s for more than 18 months

Average Cost of GLP-1s Is $167.3

How Much Do Patients Spend on GLP-1s?

Our study found that patients spent an average of $167.3 on GLP-1s. 

The median cost of GLP-1s was $100. 

55.6% of GLP-1 Users Use Semaglutide Drugs

Out of all surveyed, 55.6% of GLP-1 users used Semaglutide. 

Semaglutide is the most popular weight loss medication, as it is used in some of the largest weight loss brand names, such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

20.8% of patients reported using Tirzepatide, 15.3% reported utilizing a combination of multiple drugs. 

5.6% said they used Liraglutide, 1.3% said they used Saxenda, and 1.4% said they did not remember the name of the GLP-1 they used.

While results will vary, one study found that Tirzepatide actually provided patients with more benefits than Semaglutide. 

What type of GLP-1s Do Patients Use?

51.4% of GLP-1 Users Said They Would Use GLP-1s Again

51.4% of users said they would use GLP-1s again, 34.7% said they might use them again. 13.9% said they wouldn’t use them again. 

Would you use GLP-1s Again?

Nausea Was the Most Common Side Effect Reported by GLP-1 Users

GLP-1 Side Effects

46% reported nausea as a primary side effect of GLP-1 use. 35% of users reported no side effects. 

26% of users reported constipation. 21% reported diarrhea, and 11% reported vomiting. 

1% reported fainting, headache, and insomnia. 3% reported dizziness. 

While studies are currently exploring the possibilities of preventing these side effects, there are currently no GLP-1 drugs on the market that do not have the potential to cause these side effects. 

When asked about the results of the study, Amber Alhadeff, a neuroscientist from the Monell Chemical Senses Center, stated that she believes they “open a door” in terms of GLP-1 possibilities. 

The Average Weight Loss for GLP-1 Users was 24.9 lbs

GLP-1 users reported an average weight loss of 24.9 lbs, and a median weight loss of 20 lbs. 

Average vs Median Weight Loss with GLP-1s

64.7% of Respondents Reported Eventually Quitting GLP-1s

64.7% of participants in our study reported eventually quitting the use of GLP-1 medications.

35.3% of participants said that they have not quit GLP-1s. 

One study has found that the primary reason patients drop out of GLP-1 medication programs, is due to the side effects caused by the drugs. 

When asked about preventing GLP-1 side effects, Scott Isaacs, President of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, said “keeping the meals small can help a lot with side effects.”

How many patients Quit GLP-1s?

52.8% of Users Reported Obtaining GLP-1s Through Their Primary Care Physician

52.8% of users said they obtained their GLP-1 medications through a primary care physician. This is how many Americans obtain prescription medications. 

20.8% said they went through a weight loss clinic/program. 

19.4% of users reported utilizing a tele-health appointment. 

4.2% said they got a prescription from a specialist.

2.8% said they used over-the-counter medication without a prescription. 

How did you obtain GLP-1s?

11.1% of Participants Reported Using GLP-1s for More Than 18 Months

9.7% of users reported using GLP-1s for 1 month. 13.9% reported using them for two months, another 13.9% reported using GLP-1s for three months. 

It is likely that many of the users who quit within the early months of GLP-1 usage were driven to do so by adverse effects of the medications.

8.3% of participants reported using them for four months. 1.4% for five months, 20.8% for six months. 

1.4% for seven months, and another 1.4% reported using them for nine months. 

2.8% said they used GLP-1s for ten months. 2.8% said they used them for 11 months. 

5.6% reported using them for 12 months. 

1.4% reported using them for 13 and 14 months.

2.8% for 16 months, and 1.4% for 18 months.

11.1% of participants said they used GLP-1s for more than 18 months. 

When Patients Stop Using GLP-1s

Methodology

To better understand the rising trend of GLP-1 use, the Renew Bariatrics team put together a study. The study surveyed 264 real weight loss patients. Patients were asked about their experience with GLP-1 usage, and the responses were analyzed to find the biggest trends among users. 

Responses were sorted based on inquiry type, and were then analyzed to determine the most important findings of the study.

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