A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a concerning trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs, which are designed to help regulate blood sugar and curb appetite. The research indicates that while prescriptions for individuals with diabetes are declining, prescriptions for those without diabetes are on the rise.
The study authors highlight potential fears of shortages in these essential medications. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs gained wider attention following the FDA’s 2021 approval of Wegovy for weight loss. This expanded use has prompted Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to face challenges in meeting growing demand for their GLP-1 offerings, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed medical records from 45 million Americans who consulted doctors between 2011 and 2023. Their findings showed a drop in new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Simultaneously, the percentage of new users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are seeing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, which is a significant public health shift. However, it raises concerns about potential medication shortages and ensuring access for diabetes patients.”
The study’s data was sourced from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, although it may not universally represent the entire population.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have garnered attention for their weight-loss capabilities, with some users shedding up to 26% of their body weight. The surge in sales of these medications has led Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become leading players in the pharmaceutical industry, but the increased demand has also resulted in difficulties for patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies are investing heavily to boost production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, anticipating that around 31.5 million people, approximately 9% of the U.S. population, will adopt these treatments by 2035.