25% Of GLP-1 Patients Report GI Side Effects—Are You Addressing Real-World Challenges? 

Patient-level insights reveal the real-world benefits & challenges of GLP-1 therapies, informing more authentic & effective communication with providers and patients. 

As GLP-1 therapies change how we treat diabetes and manage weight, it’s critical to understand how these drugs are viewed and used in everyday clinical settings. 

AnswerY™, our HIPAA-compliant database and platform, analyzed patient records and provider notes to uncover how GLP-1s are impacting care today. The resulting insights into the effectiveness, usage, accessibility, and tolerability of these therapies can drive: 

• Smarter commercial strategies 

• More targeted medical affairs messaging 

• More impactful partner engagement

For example, knowing that 25% of patients experience GI side effects can prompt some strategic adjustments. A marketing team can tailor its content to focus on how to manage this common symptom, improving engagement and credibility. Medical teams can use this datapoint to spark conversations with providers about patient struggles and support options, offering more practical help. 

What Real Conversations Reveal About GLP-1 Therapies 

The findings below dig into the real-world role of GLP-1s—and where there’s room for improved differentiation and support. 

Source: AnswerY Database & Platform, 2025 

The Upside Of GLP-1 Therapies  

• Better control: 40% report improved A1c levels 

• Weight loss: 30% experience significant weight loss alongside blood sugar benefits 

• Team players: 50% note that GLP-1s combined with insulin or metformin result in better outcomes 

• Heart health perception: 15% see potential cardiovascular advantages, influencing treatment paths 

The Hurdles Of GLP-1 Therapies 

• Side effects: 25% mention nausea and GI issues, sometimes requiring therapy changes 

• Adherence: 20% cite difficulties sticking with the treatment—highlighting a need for strong patient education 

• Access: 10% point to insurance barriers limiting who can get these medications 

The Bottom Line: In summary, GLP-1s deliver strong results for A1c and weight. But real-world challenges—side effects, adherence, access—limit impact. AnswerY’s AI-driven qualitative data help pinpoint where action can optimize outcomes. 

Dig Deeper: Learn how provider and patient-level insights from AnswerY can help your research, medical, sales, and marketing teams make smarter calls.