A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates a rising trend of GLP-1 drug prescriptions among individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining.
GLP-1 medications work by replicating a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. These drugs, initially approved for managing type 2 diabetes, gained additional approval in 2021 from the FDA for weight loss, specifically with the treatment Wegovy.
The study, which involved researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions, analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. Findings revealed that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023. In contrast, the proportion of new users without diabetes grew from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo highlighted that this shift suggests healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment. However, this trend also raises concerns about potential shortages and ensuring that diabetes patients continue to access these essential treatments.
The data for the study came from healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent national trends. Over the last few years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their ability to aid in weight loss, with users experiencing an average weight reduction of up to 26%.
The surge in demand for these medications has significantly increased the market value of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, making them leading pharmaceutical companies globally. Nevertheless, the high demand has created challenges for some patients trying to fill their prescriptions. Both companies have invested billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Analysts from Morgan Stanley predict that the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030 and estimate that by 2035, approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S., or about 9% of the population, will adopt these treatments.