A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a rising trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs to individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining.
Researchers warn that this shift could lead to potential shortages of these vital treatments. GLP-1 drugs, which mimic hormones that regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite, were initially approved for managing type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA’s approval of Wegovy for weight loss in 2021 has broadened their usage.
As demand has surged, pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are finding it challenging to produce sufficient quantities of GLP-1 drugs, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Analyzing medical records from 45 million Americans who visited healthcare providers between 2011 and 2023, researchers discovered a decrease in new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% by 2023. Conversely, the number of new users without type 2 diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted that the findings indicate healthcare providers are recognizing the potential benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, she expressed concern over ensuring continued access for diabetes patients.
The study utilized data from health software firm TriNetX, which may not fully represent national trends.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing properties, with some users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
This skyrocketing interest has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. Nevertheless, high demand has made it difficult for some patients to access their prescriptions, prompting both companies to invest significantly in expanding their production capacities.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could soar to $105 billion by 2030, anticipating that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S.—about 9% of the population—will adopt these medications by 2035.