Overlooked Determinants of GLP-1 Usage |
After one year, a high percentage of patients discontinue GLP-1 medications.
The WHO has spelled out many behavioral factors involved in medication noncompliance.
The solution involves health system and community support on many levels.
Ever since the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the first GLP-1 in 2005 and the advent of subsequent formulations, consequences of use have been studied extensively. Science has found that GLP-1 use can have an impact on type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and some cancers. In addition, they have been implicated in helping individuals to curb alcohol addiction.
Despite these glowing reports, it has been reported that only between 27 and 65 percent of individuals are still using these medications after a year. Cost, irregular coverage by insurance companies, availability, and side effects are often cited as the main reasons for quitting.
Unfortunately, often the weight comes back on, and the long-term health benefits are not realized.
It can be easy to pigeonhole the problems of medication compliance with GLP-1s. Too expensive, too many side effects.
It’s important to look at what else may be going on.
Historical Perspective
Even before the first GLP-1 came out in 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO; 2003) came out with a comprehensive look at adherence to long-term therapies. They were concerned about the growing burden of chronic diseases on health and........