Evidence section
How people use GLP-1 medicines outside trials
Two pharmacists registered and practising in British Columbia read this page against the study pages and papers it lists and signed it. Their names are withheld from the site and held on file; their registration is confirmed on request.
Trials report what happens when people are supported to stay on a medicine. Real-world studies of insurance claims and health records show what actually happens: how many people are still taking the medicine after six months or a year, and how many stop and start again. Cost, side effects and supply all play a part. This hub explains those studies, including one from Canada.
Studies in this section (4)
How many Canadians stayed on a GLP-1 medicine plus insulin for a year
Plain-language summary of a Canadian prescription study: 47% of adults with type 2 diabetes stayed on a GLP-1 medicine plus basal insulin for 12 months.
How long people stay on GLP-1 medicines: a US insurance study
Plain-language summary of a US insurance study in which 32.3% of 4,066 adults were still on a GLP-1 medicine after one year, for Canadian readers.
Stopping and restarting GLP-1 medicines: a study of 125,474 adults
Plain-language summary of a US study of 125,474 adults: how many stopped a GLP-1 medicine within a year and how many restarted, for Canadian readers.
How many people stayed on GLP-1 medicines for six months on Medicaid?
A 2026 Massachusetts Medicaid study found 60.8% of 7493 adults stayed on semaglutide or tirzepatide for six months. What it means for Canadian readers.
Other evidence sections
How to read these pages
Every page in this section explains one published study. The numbers are reported as the researchers published them, with a link to the paper on PubMed. Pages say what a study cannot tell you and never rank one medicine against another. They are education, not medical advice. For how a medicine is used and paid for in Canada, see medicines, public drug coverage by province and compare services.
Reviewed and signed by two pharmacists registered in British Columbia, 2026-09-18.