A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights a significant trend in the prescription of GLP-1 medications, as the share of patients without diabetes receiving these treatments is on the rise while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. This sudden shift raises potential concerns about the availability of these therapies.
GLP-1 drugs, which are designed to mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and curbs appetite, were originally authorized for treating type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the FDA expanded their approval to include treatments for weight loss, particularly with the introduction of Wegovy.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans between 2011 and 2023. They found that new users of GLP-1 medications with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. In contrast, the proportion of users without diabetes surged from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests an increasing recognition among healthcare providers regarding the effectiveness of these medications in treating obesity, representing a pivotal public health shift,” remarked Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. However, this growing demand also raises alarms about possible medication shortages and ensuring access for diabetes patients.
The popularity of GLP-1 drugs stems from their impressive weight loss results, with users reported to shed up to 26% of their body weight. Their soaring sales have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry, yet they are now facing challenges in meeting the high demand. Both companies have made significant investments to enhance production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 medications could soar to $105 billion by 2030. Furthermore, they forecast an increase in adoption, with approximately 31.5 million individuals in the U.S.—about 9% of the population—using these drugs by 2035.
In summary, this study indicates a notable shift in prescribing practices for GLP-1 medications, emphasizing their role in treating obesity while highlighting the need for accessibility for individuals managing diabetes. The current trends suggest an evolving landscape in healthcare that may improve public health outcomes, provided that supply chain issues are addressed effectively.