A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs to individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. This shift raises concerns about potential shortages of these treatments.
Originally approved for type 2 diabetes management, GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Ozempic, mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. In 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy for weight loss, leading to an increase in demand for these drugs.
Research conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed medical records from 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023. The findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the proportion of new users without diabetes surged from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo emphasized that this trend highlights a significant public health change as more healthcare providers recognize the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, it also raises alarms about ensuring continued access for diabetes patients.
The data used in the study was sourced from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which might not fully represent national trends.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite suppression effects, helping users lose as much as 26% of their body weight. The skyrocketing sales have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally, though high demand has made it challenging for some patients to obtain their medications. Both companies are investing billions to enhance production capacity.
Morgan Stanley estimates that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with anticipated adoption rising to about 31.5 million people in the U.S. by 2035, roughly 9% of the population.