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Gut Health
The 3 Reasons People Stop Taking GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications have genuinely helped a lot of Australians. The appetite suppression works. The weight loss is real. And for many people, that's been a big deal.
But plenty of people who start these medications don't stay on them, and that's worth talking about openly. Here are three of the most common reasons people decide to stop - and some honest context around each one.
1. The Cost Adds Up Fast
This is probably the most straightforward reason, and one that plays a massive part in someone's weight loss journey.
In Australia, most GLP-1 medications for weight management aren't covered by the PBS, which means most people are paying out of pocket. Depending on the medication and where it's prescribed, that can range from around $200 to over $500 a month.
For a lot of people, that's simply not sustainable long-term, no matter how well the medication is working. Unlike many other chronic condition medications, there's currently no subsidy pathway for GLP-1s prescribed for weight management, meaning that cost doesn't reduce over time, it just continues.
2. The Digestive Shift
GLP-1 medications work by slowing digestion. That's actually part of how they reduce appetite. But for some people, that same mechanism makes day-to-day life uncomfortable enough that staying on the medication stops feeling like the right choice.
Nausea is the most commonly reported complaint, especially in the early weeks or when doses increase. Constipation, bloating, and general gut discomfort are also common. For many people these things ease off over time. For others, they stick around long enough that stopping starts to feel like the more sensible option.
Many people find that some simple day-to-day habits can influence how comfortable they feel while their body adjusts:
- Hydration. When digestion slows, staying well hydrated tends to support how the gut feels overall. Most people find aiming for consistent water intake through the day makes a noticeable difference.
- Food choices. Lighter, easier-to-digest meals tend to sit better for people experiencing nausea or bloating. Many people find that heavily processed or fatty foods can amplify discomfort.
- Meal rhythm. Eating smaller amounts more regularly, rather than skipping meals when appetite is low - tends to keep the digestive system ticking along more comfortably.
- Gentle movement. Even light daily movement, like a short walk, is something many people find supports gut comfort during this time.
If side effects are persistent or severe, it's always worth checking in with your prescribing doctor.
3. The Fatigue Factor: Running on Empty
Losing weight quickly takes a lot out of you, more than most people expect. Many people on GLP-1 medications report feeling tired, a bit flat, and like they're running on empty, even when the numbers on the scale are moving in the right direction.
Part of this comes down to eating less overall, which can mean the body isn't getting everything it needs to feel good day to day. That can show up as fatigue, brain fog and low mood.
A few things tend to come up consistently when people talk about managing energy during this period:
- Protein. It's one of the more important nutritional considerations during significant weight loss by supporting muscle, helping stabilise blood sugar, and keeping people feeling more satisfied between meals. Many people find that making protein a focus at each meal, even when appetite is reduced, helps with how they feel overall.
- Meal regularity. When appetite is low it can be tempting to skip meals entirely, but many people find that small, nourishing meals spread through the day tend to support steadier energy than going long stretches without eating.
- Sleep. The relationship between sleep quality and energy levels is well established. For people already dealing with fatigue, most find that protecting sleep becomes even more important.
- A check-in with your GP. If energy has been consistently low for several weeks, a conversation with your doctor or a registered dietitian is always worthwhile.
There's no single right answer when it comes to staying on or coming off a GLP-1 medication. For most people it comes down to a combination of cost, how their body is responding, and what's realistic long-term. Making that call with good information and having the right support makes all the difference.
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