A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications is on the rise, even as new prescriptions for diabetics are declining. The researchers express concern that this shift may lead to shortages of these essential treatments.
GLP-1 medications, initially approved for type 2 diabetes management, mimic a hormone that helps control blood sugar and reduce appetite. The FDA approved Wegovy, a GLP-1 drug, for weight loss in 2021.
Since that time, pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in keeping up with the soaring demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Analyzing medical records from 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023, researchers discovered a decrease in the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes from almost 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the share 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, marking a significant public health shift,” said Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study. “However, it raises concerns about possible medication shortages and the need to ensure continued access for diabetes patients.”
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, though it may not be representative on a national scale.
In recent years, the popularity of GLP-1 medications has surged due to their weight-loss benefits, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies worldwide. However, the increased demand has led to difficulties for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. In response, both companies have committed significant investments to enhance production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for these drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030. They also predict that about 31.5 million people in the U.S., or approximately 9% of the population, will adopt these medications by 2035.