A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights a growing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs to individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. The authors of the study express concerns over potential shortages of these medications as demand continues to rise.
GLP-1 drugs, originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, function by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and curbs appetite. The approval of Wegovy for weight loss in 2021 by the Food and Drug Administration further expanded their use.
Currently, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined medical records from 45 million Americans visiting healthcare providers between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023, while the share of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the advantages of these medications for obesity treatment, marking a significant public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. However, she noted that this trend poses concerns regarding medication accessibility for diabetes patients.
The study utilized data provided by healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent the national landscape.
The popularity of GLP-1 drugs has surged in recent years, largely due to their effectiveness in suppressing appetite and facilitating weight loss, with users reportedly shedding up to 26% of their body weight.
As sales of these drugs have skyrocketed, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have emerged as leading pharmaceutical companies, though high demand has complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients. Both companies are investing significantly to enhance production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that around 31.5 million people in the U.S.—approximately 9% of the population—will adopt these medications by 2035.