Low Long-Term Adherence to Wegovy Leads to Soaring Health Costs

Only around one-third of patients prescribed weight loss drugs like Wegovy continue taking them after a year, according to an analysis by Prime Therapeutics. However, the total healthcare costs for the entire group increased by nearly 60% on average after starting treatment. Patients who didn't take weight loss drugs saw their healthcare costs decrease by 4% on average during the same period. The analysis highlights the high cost of weight loss medicines, which can exceed $1,200 per month, potentially burdening insured patients. Adherence to treatment with weight loss drugs is poor beyond the one-year mark, and reasons for discontinuation vary, including shortages and side effects. Pharmaceutical companies have increasingly focused on the weight loss industry, but experts caution against perpetuating a dangerous diet culture.