REAL-WORLD OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH ANTI-OBESITY MEDICATION USE AND DISCONTINUATION
Author(s)
Mohammad Alnuman, MS1, Lilah Khoja, MPH, PhD2, Johnson Osei, MPH1, Kibum Kim, PhD1;
1University of Illinois Chicago, Retzky College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, Chicago, IL, USA, 2University of Illinois at Chicago, Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomic Research, Chicago, IL, USA
1University of Illinois Chicago, Retzky College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, Chicago, IL, USA, 2University of Illinois at Chicago, Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomic Research, Chicago, IL, USA
OBJECTIVES: Efficacy estimates from controlled trials endorse the use of incretin mimetic anti-obesity medications (AOM) as an effective adjunct strategy for weight management. However, trial data have not adequately addressed issues with AOM persistence and discontinuation. The aim of this study is to assess the temporal changes in obesity-related measures during and after the use of AOMs, projecting the response to the cessation of AOMs.
METHODS: This retrospective observational study used electronic health record data from the University of Illinois Hospital (UI Health). Adults aged ≥18 years who initiated anti-obesity medications between January 2020 and August 2025 and had a body mass index of ≥ 27 m2/kg were included. Changes in BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for 6 months during active AOM use and after AOM discontinuation were regressed on time using a generalized linear model.
RESULTS: The overall cohort included 1642 individuals with a mean (SD) age of 45.3 years (11.6), and the majority were female (82%). During AOMs treatment, BMI decreased significantly by 0.51 kg/m2 per month (95% CI -0.56 to -0.47). Immediately following the discontinuation, the BMI change was no longer significant (-0.18 kg/m² per month; 95% CI -0.24 to -0.12). Improvements in blood pressure were observed during treatment, with reductions in SBP of -0.56 mmHg per month (95% CI -0.87 to -0.25) and DBP of −0.33 mmHg per month (95% CI -0.55 to -0.11). After discontinuation, changes in SBP and DBP were attenuated and no longer statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of anti-obesity medications was associated with significant improvements in weight and blood pressure during the treatment period. Discontinuation of AOM was followed by the attenuation or loss of benefits, highlighting the importance of persistent treatment.
METHODS: This retrospective observational study used electronic health record data from the University of Illinois Hospital (UI Health). Adults aged ≥18 years who initiated anti-obesity medications between January 2020 and August 2025 and had a body mass index of ≥ 27 m2/kg were included. Changes in BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for 6 months during active AOM use and after AOM discontinuation were regressed on time using a generalized linear model.
RESULTS: The overall cohort included 1642 individuals with a mean (SD) age of 45.3 years (11.6), and the majority were female (82%). During AOMs treatment, BMI decreased significantly by 0.51 kg/m2 per month (95% CI -0.56 to -0.47). Immediately following the discontinuation, the BMI change was no longer significant (-0.18 kg/m² per month; 95% CI -0.24 to -0.12). Improvements in blood pressure were observed during treatment, with reductions in SBP of -0.56 mmHg per month (95% CI -0.87 to -0.25) and DBP of −0.33 mmHg per month (95% CI -0.55 to -0.11). After discontinuation, changes in SBP and DBP were attenuated and no longer statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of anti-obesity medications was associated with significant improvements in weight and blood pressure during the treatment period. Discontinuation of AOM was followed by the attenuation or loss of benefits, highlighting the importance of persistent treatment.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-05, ISPOR 2026, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue S6
Code
RWD42
Topic
Real World Data & Information Systems
Disease
SDC: Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity)