A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the proportion of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 medications is on the rise, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining. The researchers warn this trend could lead to shortages of these treatments.
GLP-1 drugs, which were initially approved for managing type 2 diabetes, function by mimicking a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and curbs appetite. In 2021, the FDA also authorized the use of the GLP-1 medication Wegovy for weight loss.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently facing challenges in meeting the growing demand for GLP-1 medications, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
The research team from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions examined medical records of 45 million Americans who visited doctors between 2011 and 2023. They discovered that the percentage of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% from 2019 to 2023. Simultaneously, the share of new GLP-1 users without type 2 diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Co-first author Yee Hui Yeo emphasized that this trend indicates healthcare providers are recognizing the potential benefits of these medications for obesity treatment, marking a significant shift in public health. However, he also expressed concerns about ensuring that diabetes patients continue to access these essential drugs.
The study analyzed data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not fully represent national trends.
In recent years, GLP-1 medications have gained popularity for their appetite-suppressing properties, helping users achieve weight loss of up to 26%. The booming sales of these drugs have propelled Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to rank among the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical companies. However, high demand has made it challenging for some patients to obtain their prescriptions. In response, both companies have invested billions into boosting their production capacity.
Morgan Stanley analysts project that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. likely to adopt these treatments by 2035, representing about 9% of the population.