Most patients stop taking weight loss drugs within a year despite rising costs

Only about one-third of patients prescribed weight loss drugs like Wegovy continue taking them after one year.
Total healthcare costs for patients on weight loss drugs increased by an average of 59% after starting medication.
Costs for patients not taking weight loss drugs decreased by 4% over the same period.
Factors like side effects, high out-of-pocket costs, and insurer restrictions contribute to low adherence.
Substantial weight reduction usually occurs after one year of treatment, even though adherence is poor.