The number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are on the decline, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The authors of the study have expressed concerns regarding this trend, warning that it could lead to potential shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and curb appetite. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the FDA granted approval in 2021 for the GLP-1 treatment Wegovy for weight loss.
In recent years, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in producing sufficient GLP-1 drugs—such as Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic—to satisfy the increasing demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, alongside other institutions, examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. Their analysis revealed that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Meanwhile, the share of new users without type 2 diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
“This data indicates that more healthcare providers are recognizing the advantages of these medications for treating obesity, signifying a significant public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, this also raises concerns regarding possible medication shortages and the necessity to ensure that patients with diabetes continue to have access to these treatments.”
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not be representative of the entire nation.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with evidence showing users can lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have made Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the surge in demand has also resulted in difficulties for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have invested billions to enhance the production of these medications.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030. They also foresee that about 31.5 million people in the U.S.—approximately 9% of the population—will adopt these medications by 2035.