A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that an increasing number of individuals without diabetes are being prescribed GLP-1 medications, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are declining. This trend raises concerns about potential shortages of these drugs.
GLP-1 medications, which mimic hormones that control blood sugar and suppress appetite, were initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA expanded the approval of the GLP-1 drug Wegovy specifically for weight loss. Since then, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in producing adequate quantities of these medications— which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic—to meet growing demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed health records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. They discovered that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023, while the share of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, commented, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, marking a significant public health shift. However, it also highlights the need to ensure continued access for diabetic patients.”
The study utilized data from TriNetX, a healthcare software company, which may not fully represent national trends.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users losing up to 26% of their body weight. Record sales have positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies, yet the high demand has complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients. In response, both companies have invested billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030. The investment bank also forecasts that by 2035, around 31.5 million people in the U.S.—approximately 9% of the population—will adopt these medications.