A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a concerning trend in the prescription of GLP-1 medications. The research indicates that the proportion of people without diabetes receiving prescriptions for these drugs is increasing, while the number of new prescriptions for individuals with diabetes is declining.
GLP-1 medications, which mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, were originally approved for managing type 2 diabetes. However, after the FDA approved Wegovy for weight loss in 2021, there has been a notable shift in usage patterns. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, major manufacturers of GLP-1 treatments including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, are facing challenges in keeping up with surging demand.
The analysis conducted by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions involved medical records from 45 million Americans who visited healthcare providers from 2011 to 2023. Findings show that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes has dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023. In contrast, the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo commented on the implications, stating, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, marking a significant public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the necessity to ensure access for diabetes patients.”
The study’s data was sourced from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, although it may not accurately represent national trends.
Over recent years, the appetite-suppressing properties of GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity, with users experiencing weight loss of up to 26%. The soaring sales of these medications have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as some of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the heightened demand has led to difficulties for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions, prompting both companies to invest heavily in boosting production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for these medications could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected adoption rate of around 31.5 million individuals in the U.S., equating to roughly 9% of the population, by 2035.