A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications, alongside a decline in new prescriptions for those with diabetes. The authors of the study raise concerns about potential shortages of these drugs as demand increases.
Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications function by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. The FDA approved Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight loss in 2021, leading to a surge in interest and prescriptions for these drugs.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the medical histories of 45 million American patients who had at least one medical visit between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without diabetes has increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, pointed out that this trend indicates a growing recognition among healthcare providers of the benefits these medications offer for obesity treatment. However, Yeo also warned of potential medication shortages and emphasized the need for continued access for diabetes patients.
Utilizing data from healthcare software company TriNetX, the study notes that GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, with users experiencing weight loss of up to 26%.
The soaring demand for these medications has significantly increased the market value of pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. However, this high demand has led to challenges in fulfilling prescriptions for some patients. Both companies have invested heavily to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 medications could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated adoption rate of about 31.5 million individuals in the U.S. by 2035, accounting for roughly 9% of the population.