A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals a concerning trend where the number of individuals without diabetes being prescribed GLP-1 drugs is increasing, while new prescriptions for those with diabetes are declining.
The research highlights that GLP-1 medications, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, are now being increasingly prescribed for weight loss. In 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy, a GLP-1 treatment specifically for obesity management. The study’s authors caution that this shift in prescribing patterns could lead to potential shortages of these necessary treatments for diabetic patients.
GLP-1 drugs help regulate blood sugar levels and curb appetite by mimicking a hormone in the body. However, the rising demand is posing challenges for producers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, who are struggling to keep up with the increasing need for these medications, which include Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other institutions analyzed medical records from 45 million Americans who had at least one doctor visit between 2011 and 2023. They found that the proportion of new GLP-1 users with type 2 diabetes dropped from nearly 90% to over 70% between 2019 and 2023, while the percentage of new users without diabetes increased from 10% to 25%.
Yee Hui Yeo, a co-first author of the study, remarked that more healthcare providers are recognizing the benefits of these drugs for obesity treatment, indicating a significant public health shift. However, this trend raises valid concerns about ensuring continued access for diabetic patients.
The study used data from the healthcare software company TriNetX, which may not reflect the entire national landscape.
Over the past few years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity due to their notable appetite-suppressing effects, with users reportedly losing up to 26% of their body weight. The surge in sales has elevated Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to become two of the most valuable pharmaceutical companies globally. Yet, this high demand has resulted in difficulty for some patients in filling their prescriptions. Both companies are investing billions to increase the production of these medications.
Morgan Stanley analysts predict the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, with an estimated 31.5 million people, or about 9% of the U.S. population, expected to be using these drugs by 2035.