A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are decreasing. Researchers have expressed concern about potential shortages of these treatments due to the shifting patterns.
GLP-1 drugs mimic hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. Initially, these medications were approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but in 2021, the FDA expanded approval for Wegovy as a weight loss treatment.
As demand has surged, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in producing sufficient amounts of GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans who had visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. Findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023, while the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted that the data suggests healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these treatments for obesity, indicating a significant public health shift. However, this change raises concerns about ensuring that diabetes patients can still access these essential medications.
The research relied on data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, though it may not fully represent the national population.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight. The rapid growth in sales has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become leading pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the heightened demand has hindered some patients from obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have committed billions to enhance production.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected increase in adoption to around 31.5 million users in the U.S. by 2035, representing about 9% of the population.