A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a significant increase in the number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are on the decline.
The study raises alarms about potential shortages of these treatments. GLP-1 drugs, initially approved for managing type 2 diabetes, work by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite. In 2021, Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, was approved for weight loss by the Food and Drug Administration.
Since then, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the surging demand for their GLP-1 products, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed medical records from 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% by 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo commented, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, highlighting a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the need to ensure that patients with diabetes still have access to these treatments.”
The study analyzed data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not reflect the national demographic accurately.
Over recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these medications have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become leading pharmaceutical companies worldwide. However, the increased demand has created challenges for some patients trying to fill their prescriptions. Both companies are investing billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project 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.—around 9% of the population—expected to adopt these medications by 2035.