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 essential medications. GLP-1 drugs function by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA later authorized Wegovy, a GLP-1 medication, for weight loss in 2021.
Since that approval, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have struggled to meet the increasing demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, analyzed medical records from 45 million Americans who visited a healthcare provider between 2011 and 2023. Findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Meanwhile, the proportion of new users without diabetes surged from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo remarked that the data suggests a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the advantages of these medications for obesity treatment, signaling a significant shift in public health. However, this trend raises alarms about potential shortages and emphasizes the necessity of ensuring continued access for diabetes patients.
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, which may not fully represent national statistics.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their weight loss benefits, with some users reporting a reduction in body weight by up to 26%. The soaring sales of these drugs have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical firms. However, the heightened demand has led to difficulties for some patients in obtaining prescriptions, prompting both companies to invest billions to enhance production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 medications will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected adoption rate of around 31.5 million individuals in the U.S. by 2035, accounting for approximately 9% of the population.