The number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications is on the rise, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are decreasing, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers warn that this growing trend could lead to potential shortages of these crucial treatments. GLP-1 drugs function by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and curb appetite. Initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes, Wegovy, one GLP-1 treatment, received FDA approval for weight loss in 2021.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in producing enough GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, to satisfy the increasing demand.
The study, conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, examined medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor between 2011 and 2023. Findings revealed that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023, while the percentage of new users without type 2 diabetes surged from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted, “This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, indicating a major public health shift. However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the need to ensure that diabetes patients still have adequate access to these treatments.”
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not accurately represent the entire national population. Over recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, enabling users to lose up to 26% of their body weight.
The soaring sales of these medications have catapulted Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies. However, the high demand has led to difficulties in prescription fulfillment for some patients. Both companies have invested billions to increase their production capacities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected adoption rate of about 31.5 million people in the U.S., accounting for roughly 9% of the population, by 2035.