A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates a notable shift in the prescribing patterns of GLP-1 medications, which are primarily used for diabetes treatment. The research reveals that the percentage of individuals without diabetes receiving these medications has increased, while the number of new prescriptions for diabetic patients has decreased.
GLP-1 drugs, which function by mimicking a hormone that manages blood sugar levels and curbs appetite, gained initial approval for treating type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the FDA expanded their approval to include weight loss treatment, particularly with the medication Wegovy.
This growing interest in GLP-1 drugs for weight management has led to increased competition and production challenges for pharmaceutical companies, particularly Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. They are facing difficulties meeting the rising demand for this class of drugs, which includes well-known options like Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor’s visit from 2011 to 2023. Their findings showed a decline in new GLP-1 users with diabetes, from nearly 90% to over 70% during the period, while those without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo noted that this trend indicates a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits of GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment. However, there are concerns about potential shortages hindering access for diabetes patients, which is crucial for their health management.
Data from the healthcare software company TriNetX was utilized, although it may not reflect nationwide prescribing patterns accurately. The demand for GLP-1 drugs has surged thanks to their ability to enable significant weight loss; users have lost up to 26% of their body weight.
Consequently, sales of these drugs have skyrocketed, escalating Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk into the world’s top pharmaceutical companies in terms of market value. Unfortunately, this high demand has occasionally made it challenging for patients to fill their prescriptions. In response, both companies are heavily investing to increase production capacity.
Looking ahead, Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 medications may reach $105 billion by 2030, with approximately 31.5 million Americans—around 9% of the population—expected to adopt these treatments by 2035.
In summary, while the increasing use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss presents exciting opportunities for public health, it also raises important questions regarding access for individuals with diabetes—a balancing act that healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies will need to navigate carefully. This shift reflects a broader understanding of obesity’s implications and the potential for effective treatment, promising a future where innovative medications could significantly improve health outcomes for many.