Real-World ECO 2026 Counterweight: Prime Therapeutics Claims Analysis Shows Just 8.1% Three-Year Persistence on Anti-Obesity Medications
Real-world data presented in the ECO 2026 cycle counters the trial-based efficacy headlines: a Prime Therapeutics commercial claims analysis (cited in the May 2026 Managed Healthcare Executive cover story) found just 8.1% of members persisted with anti-obesity GLP-1 medications for three years. A separate 6-month Medicaid persistence analysis showed roughly 61% staying on treatment at six months. The high attrition is driven primarily by GI tolerability, insurance turnover, and out-of-pocket costs after step-edit programs. For newer agents like semaglutide and tirzepatide, post-discontinuation weight regain averages 0.8 kg per month — projecting return to baseline by ~1.5 years. PBM programs (Optum Rx Weight Engage, Rightway, MedImpact GLP-1 Benefit 360) are now embedding multidisciplinary support to lift persistence above the current floor.