A recent study published in the *Annals of Internal Medicine* reveals an increasing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs to individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are on the decline. The study highlights the potential risks associated with this shift, particularly concerning the availability of these treatments.
GLP-1 medications, which mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and decrease appetite, were initially approved for type 2 diabetes management. However, following the FDA’s approval of Wegovy for weight loss in 2021, demand for these drugs surged, causing challenges for manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to keep pace.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the medical records of 45 million individuals who had visited healthcare providers from 2011 to 2023. They found that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023. Conversely, the proportion of new GLP-1 patients without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-author of the study, emphasized the implications of this trend, stating that it indicates a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits of these medications in treating obesity. However, this shift also raises valid concerns about potential shortages of the medication and the need to prioritize access for diabetes patients.
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software firm, though the researchers noted that this data may lack a national representation. In recent years, the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1 drugs have led to their popularity, with studies showing that users can lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The skyrocketing sales of these medications have significantly boosted the market value of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, making them among the top pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the increased demand has created challenges for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions, prompting both companies to invest heavily in expanding their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley projects that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with anticipated adoption rising to approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. by 2035—about 9% of the population.
Overall, while the growing interest in GLP-1 medications as a treatment for obesity showcases a positive public health shift, it is crucial to ensure that individuals with diabetes maintain access to these essential treatments. Continued investment and innovation in this sector could alleviate potential shortages and improve healthcare outcomes for diverse patient populations.