A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has highlighted a growing trend in the prescription of GLP-1 medications, indicating that more individuals without diabetes are obtaining these drugs, while prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. This shift raises alarms over potential shortages of these crucial treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which include well-known medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, mimic a hormone that aids in blood sugar regulation and appetite suppression. Originally, these medications were primarily approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. However, since the FDA approved Wegovy for weight loss in 2021, interest in these drugs has surged dramatically.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center conducted an analysis of medical records from 45 million Americans who visited doctors from 2011 to 2023. Their findings revealed a decrease in the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes—from nearly 90% in 2019 to over 70% in 2023. Concurrently, the percentage of those without diabetes receiving these medications rose from 10% to 25%. Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, noted that this trend indicates a significant public health shift, as more healthcare providers acknowledge the benefits of GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment. Nonetheless, the change raises crucial questions regarding the availability of these therapies for patients with diabetes.
Despite the promising efficacy of GLP-1 drugs in weight loss—up to 26% of body weight—pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are struggling to meet the immense demand, leading to challenges in fulfilling some prescriptions. Both companies are investing heavily to increase production capabilities, as market analysts project the global market for these drugs could grow to $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated adoption among 31.5 million Americans, or approximately 9% of the population, by 2035.
This trend underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access to medications for both those managing diabetes and those seeking weight loss solutions. While the increased focus on obesity treatment through GLP-1 medications is a hopeful development in addressing public health concerns, it is essential to balance this with the needs of diabetes patients to prevent any disruptive shortages in supply.
Overall, the evolution in the usage of GLP-1 medications reflects a broader awareness of obesity’s health impacts, suggesting potential future strategies in health management, which could prove beneficial for many individuals navigating weight-related health issues.