A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a growing trend of people without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications while prescriptions for individuals with diabetes are declining. Researchers are warning this shift may lead to potential shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar, were originally approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, in 2021, the FDA granted approval for the GLP-1 medication Wegovy for weight loss.
Both leading manufacturers, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, are facing challenges in meeting the rising demand for GLP-1 drugs, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
A team from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed the medical records of 45 million Americans between 2011 and 2023. Their findings indicate that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes decreased from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Concurrently, the share of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, co-first author of the study, noted this trend signals that more healthcare providers recognize the benefits of GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment, which represents a significant public health shift. However, Yeo expressed concern over potential medication shortages and the necessity of ensuring continued access for diabetic patients.
The study’s data was sourced from the healthcare software company TriNetX and may not reflect national trends.
GLP-1 medications have gained popularity due to their appetite-suppressing effects, showing users can lose up to 26% of their body weight. The surge in sales has positioned Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk among the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies, yet the increased demand has complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients. Both companies are investing heavily to enhance their production capabilities.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict the global market for these medications will hit $105 billion by 2030, with an expectation that around 31.5 million Americans, or approximately 9% of the population, will adopt these drugs by 2035.