A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of GLP-1 drug prescriptions among individuals without diabetes, while prescriptions for those with diabetes are on the decline. The researchers express concerns that this shift may lead to potential shortages of these important treatments.
Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and decreases appetite. In 2021, the FDA extended approval for the GLP-1 treatment Wegovy for weight loss purposes.
Novo Nordisk and its competitor Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The study involved an analysis of medical records from 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor visit between 2011 and 2023. It found that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes declined from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023, while the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
“This data indicates that more healthcare providers recognize the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, signaling a significant public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study. However, she also highlighted concerns regarding medication shortages and the importance of maintaining access for diabetes patients.
The study’s findings were derived from data provided by the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not represent national trends.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, with some users achieving body weight reductions of up to 26%. The soaring sales of these drugs have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally, although the demand has made it difficult for some patients to secure their prescriptions. Both companies have invested substantial resources to enhance their drug production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an anticipated 31.5 million people in the U.S., or about 9% of the population, adopting these medications by 2035.