The use of GLP-1 medications among individuals without diabetes is on the rise, even as new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining, according to a recent study featured in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The authors of the study raise concerns about potential shortages of these drugs as their prescription patterns shift. GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a hormone that manages blood sugar and curbs appetite. Initially approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, the FDA cleared Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment, for weight loss in 2021.
Since this approval, pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have been facing challenges in producing sufficient quantities of GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, to meet the growing demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other organizations examined the medical records of 45 million Americans who consulted a doctor between 2011 and 2023. They discovered that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. In contrast, the share of GLP-1 users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for treating obesity, marking a significant shift in public health,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also highlights concerns regarding potential medication shortages and the necessity to ensure that diabetes patients retain access to these treatments.”
The findings are based on data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not accurately represent national trends.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users reporting weight loss of up to 26% of their body weight.
The surge in sales of these medications has positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. Nevertheless, the high demand has made it challenging for some patients to obtain their prescriptions. Both companies have invested heavily to increase their production capacities.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030. They also estimate that by 2035, approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S., or 9% of the population, will be utilizing these medications.