A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a notable trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs, showing a significant increase in the number of patients without diabetes being prescribed these medications, while prescriptions for diabetic patients are falling. This shift raises concerns about potential shortages in availability for those who specifically need these treatments.
GLP-1 medications, designed to mimic the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar and reducing appetite, were originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, their use expanded in 2021 when Wegovy received FDA approval for weight loss. As awareness of these drugs’ benefits for obesity has grown, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in keeping up with the soaring demand for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center analyzed medical records for 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023. Their findings revealed that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023, while the percentage of non-diabetics receiving GLP-1 prescriptions rose sharply from 10% to 25%. This shift indicates that healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the effectiveness of these drugs for obesity treatment, reflecting an important public health trend. Yet, the researchers caution that this could lead to access issues for diabetic patients who rely on these medications.
Despite the growth in use for weight management, both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are investing heavily to enhance production capacity. Sales of GLP-1 drugs have already bolstered these companies’ standings, transforming them into leading pharmaceutical giants. Analysts from Morgan Stanley predict the global market for GLP-1 medications could reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. will adopt these drugs by 2035.
In conclusion, the rising popularity of GLP-1 treatments for weight loss marks a significant shift in healthcare practices, demonstrating the increasing recognition of obesity as a serious health crisis. By balancing the needs of both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, the healthcare system can potentially harness the benefits of these medications while ensuring essential treatments remain accessible for those who need them most.