A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 drugs is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. This shift has raised concerns about potential shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 medications, which include products like Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, were originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as they mimic a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar and reducing appetite. In 2021, Wegovy was specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss.
Research conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a healthcare provider between 2011 and 2023. The findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes declined significantly from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the share of new GLP-1 users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, highlighted that this trend indicates a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits of these medications in treating obesity, marking a notable public health transformation. However, Yeo also pointed out the potential risks of medication shortages and emphasized the importance of ensuring continued access for diabetes patients.
The study’s data was sourced from healthcare software company TriNetX, although it may not reflect a nationwide representation. In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
As demand for these medications has surged, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have emerged as two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, this increased demand has resulted in difficulties for some patients to fill their prescriptions. Both companies are investing billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for these medications could reach $105 billion by 2030. Furthermore, they estimate that adoption rates could rise to about 31.5 million individuals in the U.S., constituting roughly 9% of the population by 2035.