A recent analysis of electronic patient records by health data firm Truveta found a significant increase in first-time diagnoses of sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes within 15 days of starting prescriptions for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs between 2020 and 2024. The drugs have led to an expansion of U.S. healthcare use as patients start prescriptions and are diagnosed with obesity-related conditions or take the medication to become eligible for other services.
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, among others, have been shown to lead to average weight loss of at least 15%. The medications are increasing patient engagement with healthcare providers, as seen in the stories of patients like Phil, a Chicago technology executive who lost more than 30 pounds after starting the medication. “It gave me the courage to ask,” he said.
The Truveta analysis found that for every 1,000 patients with a first-time GLP-1 prescription, 42 were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 15 days in 2024, up from 32 in 2020. The number of sleep apnea diagnoses per 1,000 patients rose to 11 from 8 and the number of cardiovascular disease diagnoses increased to 15 from 13.
The expanded use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is also leading to an increase in joint replacements, organ transplants, and other surgical procedures. ResMed’s revenue growth of 11% for its fiscal year ending in June can be attributed, in part, to the trend, according to CEO Michael Farrell.
As healthcare providers see patients with obesity-related conditions becoming healthier and more engaged, they are also referring them for routine care, including pap smears and colonoscopies. Dr. Courtney Younglove said, “Many overweight patients avoid doctors and routine tests for years due to stigma and bias.” The expanded use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is providing an opportunity for these patients to access necessary healthcare services.
The impact of the medication on overall healthcare use is still unclear, but early detection could save costs in the long run.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91247658/weight-loss-drugs-sending-americans-back-doctors-not-why-you-think