A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 medications among individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for diabetic patients are declining.
Researchers warn that this shift could lead to potential shortages of these important treatments. GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and decreases appetite, were initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, following the FDA’s approval in 2021 of Wegovy for weight loss, demand for these drugs has surged.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently struggling to maintain production levels of popular GLP-1 medications, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, to keep up with this escalating demand.
The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, reviewed medical records from 45 million Americans who visited a healthcare provider between 2011 and 2023. Findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, remarked that this data indicates healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, marking a significant public health shift. However, she noted concerns about ensuring continued access to these medications for diabetes patients.
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which might not accurately represent national trends. Recently, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The rapid increase in sales of these medications has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. Yet, the intense demand has led to difficulties for some patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies are investing heavily to boost the production of these drugs.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 medications could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated adoption among 31.5 million people in the U.S., accounting for roughly 9% of the population, by 2035.