Beyond the Medication: Lark Talks to Patients About Their GLP-1 Experience

The growth in demand for GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound is transforming weight management and helping members achieve their health goals. These drugs, which mimic natural hormones to regulate appetite and blood sugar, offer impressive results across diabetes and diabetes management, with several other indications on the horizon.

However, for the millions of members who are prescribed the medication and the employers who invest in member access, the reality is complex. GLP-1s are not a magic bullet. They offer a powerful tool that also comes with real-world challenges, including frustrating side effects, the potential to regain weight, and a steep price tag for plan sponsors. 

For many members, long-term success with GLP-1 means supporting them with a supplemental GLP-1 companion that provides medication adherence support, lifestyle behavior coaching, and weight tracking via a connected scale. 

The Real-World Challenges of the GLP-1 Journey

Lark interviewed 81 current or recent GLP-1 medication users who were overweight or obese to better understand their experience and biggest hurdles. Their experiences highlighted some important insights:

• The Side Effect Struggle: Two-thirds (66%) of users reported tough side effects with nausea being the most commonly reported side effect. Not surprisingly, difficulty with side effects was the top reason for discontinuation for over half (51%) of those who stopped their medication. When members discontinue their medication, they are often unable to derive the full health benefit, leading to limited condition improvement and wasted spend. 

“Every morning when I would wake up, I would feel sick to my stomach. I'd vomit a couple times a week.”

• The Motivation Dip: While many interviewees started with high hopes for their weight loss goals, nearly half (47%) ended up with negative feelings, such as disappointment and frustration, often losing steam within the first few months. This shows that initial weight loss isn't enough; members need sustained support long-term to achieve and maintain their goals.
• The Adherence Hurdles: It's difficult for members to stay consistent with medication and lifestyle changes when they are anticipating sickness or struggling to manage the high cost of GLP-1s. Many admitted to delaying or skipping doses because of fear of side effects, while others simply forgot with a surprising 23% saying they struggled to remember their weekly shot.
• The Fear of Regain: When people stop taking GLP-1s, the "food noise" often returns, leading to weight regain and a loss of healthy habits. A smooth transition off the medication is just as crucial as the start.

“When I stopped it, my hunger came back with a vengeance and all the food noise came back and I gained all the weight back.”

GLP-1 Companion Programs: Your Partner for Long-Term Success

Lark’s interviews with GLP-1 users underscore the complex reality of using these medications. While they are highly effective tools for weight loss, success depends on more than just the medication itself. Our findings highlight that a supportive, integrated approach is critical for addressing key challenges like goal setting, side effects, emotional health, and long-term adherence.

Lark’s GLP-1 Companion program was built on these insights, to directly address the biggest real-world challenges and ensure your members’ GLP-1 journey is sustainable. We combine AI-powered functionality with 24/7 coaching and support with vital human touchpoints for a truly holistic approach.

The Lark GLP-1 Companion is a comprehensive behavior change solution. It gives members the skills, confidence, and continuous support to turn new habits into a long-lasting, healthy lifestyle.

Want to learn more about how to support lasting member success on GLP-1s and ensure your investment return ROI?

Access the full white paper and insights today. Click here to read The Future of Weight Management: 

How Lark’s GLP-1 Companion Program Addresses Real-World Challenges