A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs to individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. The authors of the study highlight concerns regarding potential shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 medications are designed to mirror a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and decreases appetite. Initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, the FDA expanded the approval in 2021 to include Wegovy for weight loss.
Since then, both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in meeting the soaring demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited a doctor from 2011 to 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. Conversely, the percentage of new 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 public health shift,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the need to ensure that patients with diabetes continue to have access to these treatments.”
The study utilized data from healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent the national landscape.
In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, with users losing up to 26% of their body weight.
The skyrocketing sales of these medications have turned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk into some of the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies. However, the high demand has created difficulties for many patients in obtaining their prescriptions. Both companies have invested billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people in the U.S. — about 9% of the population — using these medications by 2035.