The number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The study authors express concerns about potential shortages of these important treatments. GLP-1 drugs function by replicating a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA authorized the use of Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight loss in 2021.
Since then, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in producing sufficient quantities of their GLP-1 medications—including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic—to satisfy growing demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions evaluated the medical records of 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor visit between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicated that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Simultaneously, the share of new GLP-1 users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the effectiveness of these medications in treating obesity, marking a significant shift in public health,” remarked Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises important concerns about potential shortages and the need to ensure that diabetes patients continue to have access to these drugs.”
The study analyzed data provided by healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent the national landscape.
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have surged in popularity due to their appetite-suppressing properties, aiding users in losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these drugs have elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. However, the heightened demand has complicated prescription availability for some patients. Both companies have committed billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will grow to $105 billion by 2030. They also anticipate that approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S., around 9% of the population, will adopt these medications by 2035.