A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of GLP-1 drug prescriptions among individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. The authors of the study express concern over potential shortages of these medications.
Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs function by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. The FDA expanded their use in 2021, allowing Wegovy to be prescribed for weight loss.
Since that approval, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the escalating demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined medical records from 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor visit between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023, while the proportion of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted that this shift suggests an increased recognition of the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, it raises concerns about ensuring access for diabetes patients.
Data utilized in the study came from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not reflect national trends.
In recent years, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has surged due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight. The soaring demand has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally, but it has also led to difficulties for some patients in filling their prescriptions. Both companies are investing heavily to expand production.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the GLP-1 drug market could reach $105 billion by 2030, estimating that around 31.5 million people in the U.S. will be adopting these medications by 2035, accounting for approximately 9% of the population.