The number of individuals without diabetes receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 medications is increasing, even as prescriptions for those with diabetes decrease, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The authors of the study have expressed concerns that this trend may lead to shortages of these essential treatments. GLP-1 medications function by imitating a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA greenlit Wegovy—one form of GLP-1 treatment—for weight management in 2021.
Currently, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in keeping up with the soaring demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, along with other institutions, examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor visit between 2011 and 2023. Their findings revealed that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% by 2023. Concurrently, the portion of new GLP-1 users without type 2 diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
“This data indicates that healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the advantages of these medications in managing obesity, reflecting a notable shift in public health,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study. “Nonetheless, this trend also raises issues regarding potential medication shortages and highlights the need for ensuring continued access for diabetes patients.”
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, which may not fully represent the national landscape.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, demonstrating potential weight loss of up to 26%.
The rapid increase in sales of these drugs has positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as the leading pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the heightened demand has posed difficulties for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have invested heavily to boost production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 medications could reach $105 billion by 2030. They also anticipate that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S.—about 9% of the population—will use these drugs by 2035.