A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the percentage of individuals without diabetes prescribed GLP-1 medications is increasing, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are declining. The authors of the study have expressed concerns that this trend may lead to shortages of these essential treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which initially received approval for treating type 2 diabetes, work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and suppresses appetite. In 2021, the FDA expanded the use of GLP-1 treatments, approving Wegovy for weight loss, which further increased their popularity.
Currently, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are facing challenges in producing an adequate supply of GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, in response to the surging demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined medical records from 45 million Americans who visited a healthcare provider between 2011 and 2023. Their findings showed that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes declined from approximately 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the percentage of new GLP-1 users without type 2 diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, 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 that patients with diabetes still have access to these treatments.”
The study’s data was sourced from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, although it may not provide a complete national picture.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained traction due to their appetite-suppressing effects, helping users shed up to 26% of their body weight. The soaring sales of these drugs have elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the ranks of the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies. However, high demand has resulted in challenges for 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 expectations that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S.—around 9% of the population—will adopt these treatments by 2035.