What to Do If Your GLP-1 Medication Isn’t Working

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications are having a moment. But with so many people talking about their results, it can be discouraging if yours doesn’t seem to be working the way you expected. You’re not alone—research shows that between 47% and 65% of people who start a GLP-1 stop taking it within a year, and 36% to 47% of those people eventually restart. If you’re wondering whether your GLP-1 is working, or what to do if it isn’t, here’s where to start.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 is a hormone your body makes naturally in the L-cells of your gut. It’s released when you eat, and it helps manage blood sugar and satiety (aka feeling full). The catch: your body breaks down natural GLP-1 within minutes of making it.

Why do GLP-1 medications exist?

GLP-1 medications are designed to outlast your body’s natural hormone. They mimic the natural hormone’s effects but last much longer, giving you a stronger, more consistent result than your body can produce on its own.

What can GLP-1 medications help with?

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications are FDA-approved for:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
• Weight loss in people with an elevated BMI
• Cardiovascular disease risk reduction
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Liver disease (MASH and MASLD)

They’re also being studied—but are not yet FDA-approved—for type 1 diabetes (T1D). 

Is a GLP-1 right for you?

Just because a friend, family member, or celebrity is taking a GLP-1 doesn’t mean you need one too. And if one hasn’t worked out for you, that’s not a personal failure. Start by asking what your health goals are, and if a GLP-1 can help you reach them. Your HCP can and should help you decide.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved A1C and blood sugar levels
• Earlier satiety (feeling full sooner)
• Weight loss support
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved heart failure symptoms
• Improved liver disease markers
• Improved obstructive sleep apnea symptoms

What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?

Research has shown GLP-1s and GLP-1/GIPs have common side effects:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Gallbladder problems
• Tachycardia
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken with insulin, sulfonylureas, or SGLT-2s

Who shouldn’t take a GLP-1?

People living with certain health conditions should not take a GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP including:

• Gastroparesis
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Pancreatitis
• Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) includes personal or family history
• Currently pregnant or trying to conceive
• Are currently breastfeeding

Why your GLP-1 might not be working

If you’re not seeing results from your GLP-1, there could be a few culprits:

• You’re using an unapproved version. Compounded or third-party GLP-1s aren’t FDA-approved and may not deliver consistent results and might even carry safety risks.
• You’re combining it with a DPP-4 medication. Current guidance recommends using one or the other, not both. GLP-1 is generally considered the more effective choice of the two.
• Your dosing has been inconsistent. These medications need steady, continued use to build lasting benefits.

What should you do if your GLP-1 isn’t working?

• Confirm your prescription is being filled at a reputable, approved pharmacy.
• Make sure you’re only taking one prescription GLP-1 at a time.
• Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
• Tell your HCP if side effects are affecting your ability to tolerate your current dose.
• Talk to your HCP about switching to a different GLP-1 or a GLP-1/GIP.
• Work with your HCP to review and adjust your dose.
• Ask a registered dietitian nutritionist for help fine-tuning your eating and activity habits alongside your medication.

The bottom line

GLP-1s aren’t one-size-fits-all, and it can take some trial and error to find the medication, dose, and habits that work for you. If yours isn’t delivering the results you hoped for, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Be sure to have that conversation with your HCP.

Have more questions about GLP-1s and diabetes? Explore our GLP-1 Hub for more on how these medications work, what they treat, and how to navigate them with your care team.

This content was made possible by Lilly, an active partner of Beyond Type 1. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.