The latest research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights a notable shift in the prescription patterns of GLP-1 medications. While the number of new prescriptions for people with diabetes has declined, the number of prescriptions for individuals without diabetes is on the rise.
GLP-1 drugs, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, function by mimicking hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. Their approval for weight loss by the FDA in 2021 has further fueled this trend, with medications like Wegovy gaining popularity among those looking to shed pounds. However, the increasing demand has led to concerns about potential production shortages from major manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
An analysis conducted by researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center examined medical records of 45 million Americans between 2011 and 2023. Results showed that the percentage of new GLP-1 users who are type 2 diabetes patients fell from nearly 90% in 2019 to just over 70% in 2023. Conversely, the proportion of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%. Researcher Yee Hui Yeo remarked that this indicates a shift toward recognizing the benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, a significant change in public health perspective. However, it also raises important questions regarding maintaining access for diabetes patients.
The demand for GLP-1 drugs has surged due to their weight loss benefits, with some users experiencing a reduction in body weight of up to 26%. This boom in popularity has propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become among the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally, yet it has also complicated prescription fulfillment for some patients. In response, both companies are investing heavily to enhance their production capacities.
Analysts from Morgan Stanley project the global market for GLP-1 drugs could reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million users in the U.S. by 2035, accounting for about 9% of the population.
This shift in prescription trends not only underscores the growing public awareness and acceptance of these medications for weight management but also highlights the crucial need for healthcare systems to balance supply and demand. As more individuals gain access to effective treatments for obesity, there remains hope for improved health outcomes for both individuals with diabetes and those seeking weight loss solutions.