A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 medications to individuals without diabetes, even as new prescriptions for those with diabetes decline. This shift raises concerns among healthcare experts about potential shortages of these vital treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, including popular medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, were originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, functioning by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. In 2021, their usage expanded when the FDA approved Wegovy specifically for weight loss.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans between 2011 and 2023 and discovered that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes plummeted from nearly 90% to over 70%. Conversely, the percentage of new users without diabetes surged from 10% to 25%. Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, highlighted this as a significant public health shift, indicating that healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity. However, the shift also raises alarms about ensuring that individuals with diabetes continue to have access to these essential treatments.
The rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs has made companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly among the most valuable pharmaceutical firms globally. With skyrocketing sales, demand for these drugs has outstripped supply, making it challenging for some patients to access their prescriptions. Both companies are investing billions to boost production capacity.
Looking ahead, analysts from Morgan Stanley predict that the global market for GLP-1 medications could reach $105 billion by 2030. They also expect that around 31.5 million people in the U.S. could be using these drugs by 2035, representing approximately 9% of the population.
This trend highlights a significant potential for improving public health, particularly in combating obesity. With continued research and investment in production, there is hope that adequate supplies will be available to meet the growing needs of all patients.