Physicians Say GLP-1s for Weight Loss are Overprescribed and Unsustainable, Per New Virta Survey

Amid the explosion of GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, there’s been an influx of data on the opinions of consumers, employers, insurers, and analysts about these drugs. Yet, practicing physicians have been largely overlooked. In partnership with market research firm Beresford Research, we asked 300 primary care providers, endocrinologists, and obesity-certified specialists across the U.S. what they really think about these so-called “miracle” drugs for weight loss. 

Overall, we found that physicians are doubtful about the potential for GLP-1s to drive long-term weight loss, lower costs, or make any real impact on the obesity epidemic. Per the doctors surveyed:  

• GLP-1s are not sustainable. The majority (73%) of providers do not believe GLP-1 drugs are sustainable beyond 2-3 years, and none think they should be taken for life. 
• GLP-1s are over-prescribed, and lifestyle approaches should be the first line of defense. Three-quarters feel GLP-1s are being prescribed too easily and more than they should. Instead, 94% of providers feel strongly that patients should try a lifestyle program before a weight loss drug. 
• More oversight is needed. Almost all physicians (97%) believe prior authorization helps ensure only patients with true clinical need can access GLP-1s for weight loss and obesity. Nearly two-thirds (64%) believe that more provider oversight is necessary.
• Unrealistic expectations are common. Two-thirds of providers report that most or all patients are not properly educated on GLP-1s. More than 80% of doctors believe patients have unrealistic expectations about the outcomes, durability, and side effects of GLP-1s. 
• Top concerns with using GLP-1s for weight loss are predatory pharmaceutical marketing practices (70%), supply chain issues for diabetes patients (63%), and prescribing behavior. 
• GLP-1s will increase health inequities.  A whopping 94% feel that GLP-1s will negatively impact disadvantaged groups, who have less access to these drugs.
• GLP-1s are poised to grow exponentially while increasing healthcare costs. Nearly 9 in 10 providers expect GLP-1 growth to at least double this year; over half expect GLP-1 growth to more than triple. Two-thirds (68%) report being considerably concerned about rising costs and 94% believe GLP-1s will increase the cost of healthcare overall.

Though a helpful tool for some, achieving long-term, sustainable weight loss through GLP-1s is challenging. Many patients abandon the drug in a matter of months, due to cost, availability, and side effects. Per research from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, nearly 6 in 10 will discontinue a GLP-1 before reaching a clinically meaningful health benefit. For other patients, these drugs simply aren’t effective.

Dominique McAllister struggled with type 2 diabetes and weight gain for nearly a decade before finding Virta through Jacobs, her husband’s employer. Her doctors put her on a variety of medications, including Ozempic for weight loss. Yet even as her dosage increased, Dominique hit her highest weight—and knew it was time to make a change. 

Since joining Virta last year, Dominique has eliminated Ozempic and metformin, while losing over 20 pounds, and reversing her diabetes. Her kidney function relating to her chronic kidney disease has improved (these markers typically worsen over time for those with diabetes). Dominique’s husband is also enrolled in Virta, and they’re improving their health and vitality together. 

“I’d tried everything to lose weight, and I never thought I’d be able to go off of Ozempic and see all my numbers improve,” said Dominique. “My endocrinologist and cardiologist are just amazed. My energy is up, and I love what I see in the mirror. I haven’t felt that way in a long time. Plus, it’s awesome that my husband and I are able to do this together!”

Virta offers Sustainable Weight Loss as a standalone, drug-free treatment for weight loss or as an off-ramp to costly GLP-1s, along with its type 2 diabetes reversal solution. A growing number of employers and health plans are partnering with Virta for both the clinical results and value-based payment model, where fees are tied to outcomes such as clinically significant weight loss.

The blinded survey of 300 physicians nationwide was conducted by Beresford Research. Full results and a detailed description of the methodology in our survey report here.