A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the number of individuals without diabetes who are being prescribed GLP-1 medications is increasing, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are declining.
Researchers warn that this trend may lead to potential shortages of these treatments. GLP-1 drugs function by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA green-lit Wegovy for weight loss in 2021, expanding the drug’s use.
Since then, drug manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the surging demand for this class of medications, which includes Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The research team from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other organizations reviewed medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. They found that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023, while the proportion of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo remarked, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, marking a significant shift in public health. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the need to ensure continued access for diabetic patients.”
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not be fully representative of national trends.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, facilitating weight loss of up to 26%. The skyrocketing sales of these drugs have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, this high demand has made it difficult for certain patients to get their prescriptions filled. Both companies have invested billions to increase their production capacities.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict the global market for GLP-1 drugs could soar to $105 billion by 2030, anticipating that around 31.5 million people in the U.S.—approximately 9% of the population—will be using these medications by 2035.