A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights a notable shift in the prescription patterns of GLP-1 medications, with an increasing number of prescriptions being issued to individuals without diabetes. While prescriptions for those with type 2 diabetes are declining, the share of new users who do not have the condition has risen significantly, raising potential concerns about the availability of these essential treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, originally designed to regulate blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients, also help reduce appetite, which has led to their approval by the FDA in 2021 for weight loss through medications like Wegovy. Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center analyzed the records of 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023 and discovered that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, those without diabetes surged from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, the co-first author of the study, noted that this trend indicates an increasing recognition of the benefits of GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment, marking a significant public health opportunity. However, this shift also prompts caution regarding potential shortages and the necessity of maintaining access for diabetes patients.
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent national trends. Nonetheless, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs, known for their appetite-suppressing effects, has skyrocketed, demonstrating an ability to assist users in losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The remarkable rise in GLP-1 medication sales has propelled both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, this high demand has also made it challenging for some patients to fill their prescriptions. To address this issue, both companies have committed substantial investments to increase production.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S., roughly 9% of the population, adopting these medications by 2035.
This study reflects not just a change in healthcare practices but also opens a dialogue about the importance of balancing innovative treatments with accessibility, especially for populations who rely on these medications for chronic health conditions.