A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a rising trend in the prescription of GLP-1 drugs among individuals without diabetes, while new prescriptions among diabetic patients are declining. Researchers associated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center examined the medical records of 45 million Americans from 2011 to 2023. They discovered that the percentage of new GLP-1 users diagnosed with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the share of new users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
GLP-1 medications, which are designed to mimic hormones that control blood sugar and suppress appetite, were originally authorized for treating type 2 diabetes. However, after the FDA approved Wegovy for weight loss in 2021, there has been a notable shift in prescribing patterns. Yee Hui Yeo, one of the study’s co-authors, emphasized the significance of this trend, indicating that healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the advantages of these drugs for obesity management. However, concerns about potential shortages for diabetic patients have emerged.
Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have faced challenges in keeping up with the soaring demand for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic. Elevated sales have propelled these companies to the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry, with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk becoming among the most valuable globally. Analysts from Morgan Stanley predict that the market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030 and that about 31.5 million Americans may utilize these medications by 2035, representing approximately 9% of the population.