Gut Check: The Real Reason People Stop GLP-1s (And What You Can Do About It)
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Zepbound, and Mounjaro are changing the way we treat obesity. For many people, they have made meaningful weight loss possible.
But there is something important that is not often talked about:
Many people stop taking these medications, not because they don't work, but because the side effects become too much.
A new consumer survey reveals what thousands of people on GLP-1s are really experiencing and how gut health, support, and self-care could make all the difference.
The UBS Evidence Lab GLP-1 Consumer Survey (Wave 2, June 2024) surveyed 537 current and past GLP-1 users in the US, revealing that real-world users are not driven by vanity or speed. Instead, they are focused on feeling healthier, avoiding side effects, and staying on treatment only if it fits their lives. [1]
Patients Care More About Health Than Looks or Speed
When asked about their primary goal with weight loss treatment
- 47% said “improving overall health” was most important.
- Only 17% said appearance, and 13% prioritized rapid weight loss.
This suggests patients see GLP-1s as a way to treat a chronic health condition - not only a cosmetic fix.
Choosing a Treatment: Side Effects and Cost Matter Most
When asked which factors matter most when choosing a GLP-1 or weight loss drug:
Source: UBS Evidence Lab
Side effects and cost were the most important considerations in choosing a weight loss treatment. The biggest concern for most people? “How will this drug make me feel?” Not “pill versus injection.”
Switching Happens And Side Effects Drive It
When asked what would make them:
Source: UBS Evidence Lab
Greater weight loss and fewer side effects would tempt the majority of patients to switch treatments. This shows that people are willing to try something new if it means they can feel better and have a better experience. Weight loss is important, but the side effects are a determing factor also.
Why Do People Stop GLP-1 Treatment?
For past users, the most common reasons for stopping were:
Source: UBS Evidence Lab
The most common reason to stop treatment was reaching weight loss goal (not surprsingly). Interestingly, more people now cite gastrointestional issues and access problems compared to Wave 1, suggesting these are growing problems as the GLP-1 market expands. Particular the impact of side effects as a reason for stopping treatment of these new weight lose medication, are not often mentioned in the popular press. But that is what the data shows.
What This Means for You
These results confirm something we already know: Losing weight is hard. But staying on a GLP-1 long enough to see lasting results can be just as hard, especially when your gut is not happy.
That is why side effects are one of the most overlooked reasons for weight regain, frustration, and giving up early. [2]
So… Why Do These Side Effects Happen?
GLP-1 medications work by:
- Slowing stomach emptying.
- Reducing hunger and cravings.
- Altering gut hormone activity.
But those same effects can also cause nausea, bloating, vomiting or constipation, especially when:
- You increase your dose too quickly.
- You’re not eating enough fiber or fluids.
- Your gut bacteria are out of balance.
- You stop treatment suddenly or feel overwhelmed. [3] [4]
The Big Picture: Why Support Matters
According to the World Obesity Federation and EASO, long-term success with GLP-1 medications depends on:
- Managing side effects early and consistently.
- Having a team (doctor, dietitian, family and friends).
- Getting nutritional support, including gut health care.
- Staying on medication long enough to reach metabolic improvements. [5] [6]
What You Can Do About It
Here are some smart steps you can take if you are starting the GLP-1 treatment or struggling with it: [7]
| Do This | Avoid This |
| Take your medication exactly as prescribed | Skipping doses or increasing dose too quickly |
| Eat small, balanced meals with fibre | High-fat, fried, or large meals |
| Drink plenty of water throughout the day | Dehydration as it can worsen constipation and fatigue |
| Move your body gently (e.g., walks, yoga) | Staying sedentary increases GI sluggishness |
| Consider a gut-supporting probiotic | Ignoring digestive symptoms and just hoping they will stop |
Where Forte80™ Can Help
Many people are now using Forte80™ as part of their GLP-1 routine, not just for digestive comfort, but to support overall gut balance while their diet and appetite change.
Forte80™ was formulated specifically to:
- Reduce nausea, bloating, vomiting and constipation.
- Support a balanced microbiome during weight loss.
- Help you feel more comfortable and stay consistent.
By managing side effects, Forte80™ helps more people stay on GLP-1 treatment longer and feel better doing it. Two important factors.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone and You Are Not Failing
If you have felt frustrated or uncomfortable on a GLP-1, you are not alone.
You are not weak. You are not doing it wrong. You are just facing a real, common, and fixable problem.
Weight loss is a journey. It takes time. And it takes support - from your care team, your loved ones, and your gut.
Support your body. Support your gut. Support your journey - with Forte80™.
Learn more about Forte80™
References:
- https://www.ubs.com/global/en/investment-bank/insights-and-data/2024/glp-1-a-medication.html
- https://www.bcm.edu/news/what-are-the-side-effects-of-glp-1-medications
- https://www.jci.org/articles/view/175634
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
- https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/2025-eml-expert-committee/addition-of-new-medicines/a.14_glp-1-obesity.pdf?sf
- https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.07.25325370v1.full
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https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/glp-1-diabetes-and-weight-loss-drug-side-effects-ozempic-face-and-more
