A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend where an increasing number of people without diabetes are being prescribed GLP-1 medications, even as the number of prescriptions for individuals with diabetes declines. The authors of the study express concern that this shift could lead to potential shortages of these important treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite, were originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA authorized the use of Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight loss. Since then, pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have been struggling to keep up with the rising demand for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined medical records from 45 million Americans who made 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% between 2019 and 2023, while the portion of new GLP-1 users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, indicating a significant public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the necessity to ensure patients with diabetes can access these treatments.”
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent national trends. Over recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reporting weight loss of up to 26% of their body weight.
The surge in sales of these drugs has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, this high demand has created challenges for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have committed billions to increase production.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030. They also predict that the adoption of these medications may extend to around 31.5 million individuals in the U.S. by 2035, accounting for approximately 9% of the population.