A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the number of patients without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 drugs is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. Researchers express concern that this trend could lead to potential shortages of these vital treatments.
GLP-1 drugs function by mimicking a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded the use of the GLP-1 medication Wegovy for weight loss in 2021.
Since this development, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in producing sufficient quantities of GLP-1 medications, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, to keep up with growing demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and various institutions analyzed health records from 45 million Americans who visited a physician between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Conversely, the percentage of individuals without type 2 diabetes utilizing GLP-1 drugs surged from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, indicating a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the necessity to ensure that diabetes patients retain access to these treatments.”
The study referenced data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, but the sample may not represent the entire national population.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, with users demonstrating weight loss of up to 26%. This surge in sales has catapulted Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry, positioning them among the world’s most valuable companies. However, the skyrocketing demand has complicated prescription fulfillment for many patients, prompting both companies to invest heavily in boosting production.
Morgan Stanley analysts anticipate that the global market for GLP-1 medications will reach $105 billion by 2030 and project that approximately 31.5 million individuals in the U.S.—around 9% of the population—will adopt these drugs by 2035.