A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights a significant shift in the prescription patterns of GLP-1 drugs, which are primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes. The research indicates that the percentage of individuals without diabetes receiving these medications is on the rise, while the number of prescriptions for diabetes patients is declining.
GLP-1 medications, which include well-known names like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. Originally approved for diabetes treatment, their use expanded in 2021 when Wegovy was authorized for weight management.
The study, conducted by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center among others, analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023. Findings revealed a drop in new GLP-1 users with diabetes—from nearly 90% to over 70%—while the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%. Yee Hui Yeo, a co-author of the study, emphasized that this trend underscores a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits of GLP-1 drugs for addressing obesity—a significant public health issue. However, this shift raises concerns about potential medication shortages, necessitating vigilance to ensure continued access for diabetes patients.
The soaring demand has reportedly led to challenges in fulfilling prescriptions, prompting pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to invest substantially in boosting production. Analysts from Morgan Stanley project a booming market for GLP-1 drugs, estimating it could surpass $105 billion globally by 2030, with adoption growing to around 31.5 million people in the U.S. by 2035.
This study’s insights reflect both the expanding use of effective treatments for weight management and an urgent call to balance the accessibility of these medications for all patients in need, particularly those with diabetes.
In summary, while the rising trend of GLP-1 use for obesity management offers hope in combating the obesity epidemic, it simultaneously highlights the necessity of ensuring that all patients, especially those with diabetes, continue to receive these essential medications. The pharmaceutical industry’s efforts to ramp up production may play a crucial role in addressing these concerns going forward.