Medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists have become some of the most popular treatments for weight loss in recent years.
These drugs, originally developed to help people with diabetes control blood sugar, are now widely used to help people with overweight or obesity lose weight. However, staying on these medications for a long time can be difficult for many patients.
A new study from researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has found that patients who switch from one GLP-1 drug to another may actually stay on treatment longer than those who stick with their first medication.
The findings, published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, suggest that changing medications is often a normal and helpful part of managing weight loss rather than a sign that treatment has failed.
The research team examined health insurance data from nearly 127,000 adults in the United States who began taking GLP-1 medications between 2019 and 2024. All of the participants had overweight or obesity but did not have diabetes.
By analyzing prescription records and treatment patterns over a 12-month period, the researchers were able to track how patients used these medications over time.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, often called GLP-1RAs, work by copying a natural hormone in the body that helps control appetite and blood sugar. These medications slow digestion, increase feelings of fullness, and help reduce food intake. As a result, they can lead to significant weight loss for many people.
Some of the most well-known drugs in this group include semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide. Many of these medicines are given as injections, often once a week. In recent years, they have become an important part of modern obesity treatment.
Despite their effectiveness, the study found that many people do not stay on these medications for very long. After one year, only about one quarter of the patients were still using any GLP-1 medication.
However, the researchers noticed something interesting when they looked more closely at treatment patterns. About one in five patients switched from their original GLP-1 drug to a different one during the year. These patients were more likely to continue treatment and showed better long-term use of the medications compared with people who stayed on their original drug.
This suggests that switching medications may help patients remain engaged in treatment rather than quitting altogether.
Dr. Luyu “Amber” Xie, the first author of the study and an assistant professor in the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at UT Southwestern, explained that the findings provide one of the largest real-world pictures of how adults actually use GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
She noted that treatment for obesity does not always follow a straight path. Many patients change medications over time due to several factors, including side effects, insurance coverage, medication costs, availability of new drugs, and how well the treatment works for them.
Instead of seeing medication changes as a failure, the researchers believe they should be viewed as a natural part of ongoing care.
Dr. Sarah Messiah, the senior author of the study and a professor of epidemiology and pediatrics at UT Southwestern, said that long-term obesity treatment often requires adjusting therapy over time. According to her, staying engaged in treatment and working with doctors to find the right medication may be more important than remaining on a single drug forever.
The study also mapped how patients moved between different medications during the year. The researchers found that newer drugs that are injected once per week were often chosen both as starting treatments and as the medications people switched to later.
This reflects the growing role of these newer therapies in weight management programs.
Dr. Jaime Almandoz, another author of the study and medical director of UT Southwestern’s Weight Wellness Program, explained that obesity treatment today often requires flexibility. Because people respond differently to medications, doctors may need to adjust treatment plans to find the best long-term solution for each patient.
The findings also highlight the importance of clear communication between doctors and patients. Patients starting GLP-1 therapy should understand that it is common for treatment plans to change over time. Trying different medications may help identify the most effective and sustainable approach.
Obesity is a complex health condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, and other serious health issues.
While medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists have opened new possibilities for treatment, experts say they work best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes such as improved diet and regular physical activity.
The researchers say more studies are needed to better understand how different patient characteristics, medication types, and treatment timing affect long-term success with GLP-1 therapies. In the future, this information could help doctors design more personalized treatment plans for people living with obesity.
Overall, the study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that switching weight-loss medications is a common and sometimes beneficial strategy. Rather than seeing it as a setback, doctors and patients may view medication adjustments as part of the process of finding a treatment that works best for each individual.
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