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 prescriptions for those with diabetes are on the decline.
The study highlights potential concerns regarding medication shortages amidst this shift. GLP-1 medications, which mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and curbs appetite, were originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA sanctioned the use of Wegovy for weight management as well.
Since the approval of Wegovy, pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have faced challenges in producing enough GLP-1 medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, to satisfy the increased demand.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other organizations analyzed medical records of 45 million Americans who visited healthcare providers between 2011 and 2023. They found that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to more than 70% in 2023. In contrast, the percentage of new users without diabetes rose from 10% to 25%.
“This data suggests that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, indicating a significant shift in public health,” stated Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study. “However, it also raises concerns about potential medication shortages and the necessity of ensuring that diabetic patients continue to access these treatments.”
The study utilized data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent the national landscape.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, enabling users to lose up to 26% of their body weight. This surge in sales has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become two of the most valuable pharmaceutical firms globally. However, the overwhelming demand has made it challenging for some patients to obtain their prescribed medications. Both companies have invested billions to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an expected increase in usage to approximately 31.5 million individuals in the U.S. by 2035, equating to around 9% of the population.