The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee GLP-1 Drugs Explained: Ozempic, Wegovy, Side Effects, Cost & Risks
Dec 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ben Urich, Senior Director of Health Outcomes at Prime Therapeutics, dives into the world of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. He reveals fascinating insights on the explosive growth in their use, highlighting persistence rates and why most users stop. Ben addresses the costs of these medications and the financial impact on employers. The conversation also touches on side effects, ongoing studies for new therapeutic uses, and the potential of 30 new drugs in the pipeline, painting a vivid picture of the future of weight-loss medicine.
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Rapid Nationwide Adoption
- GLP-1 use exploded from a few thousand to tens–hundreds of thousands within a few years.
- Wegovy's 2021 launch triggered rapid uptake across large employers and insurers.
Persistence Improved Over Time
- Early persistence was low: only ~25–30% reached one year on GLP-1s.
- Persistence for Wegovy and Zepbound users later rose above 60% with better access and management.
Availability And Management Matter
- Availability, clinician experience, and side-effect management drove higher persistence.
- Managing nausea (e.g., ondansetron) and setting expectations increased adherence.