A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a notable shift in the prescription patterns of GLP-1 drugs, which are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. The share of individuals without diabetes receiving these medications is increasing while new prescriptions for diabetes patients are declining.
According to the study, researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center conducted an analysis of medical records from 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. They found that the proportion of new GLP-1 users diagnosed with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to just over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the percentage of new users without diabetes surged from 10% to 25% during the same period.
GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, operate by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. Initially approved for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy received FDA approval for weight loss in 2021. The rising popularity of these drugs is partly due to their ability to assist users in losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The study’s authors highlight that this shift reflects a broader recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits of GLP-1 medications in treating obesity, marking a significant advancement in public health. However, this trend raises concerns regarding potential shortages of these vital medications, emphasizing the need for continued access for diabetes patients.
The demand for GLP-1 drugs has positioned Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly as two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally; they are working diligently to increase production to meet the skyrocketing demand. Analysts from Morgan Stanley project that the global market for these drugs may reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S. using them by 2035, accounting for around 9% of the population.
This evolving landscape is encouraging as it demonstrates a growing awareness and desire to tackle obesity, which has significant implications for public health. As pharmaceutical companies adapt to this trend, patients may ultimately benefit from improved access to effective treatments for both obesity and diabetes.