Use of diabetes and anti-obesity drugs surges nationwide

Data: PurpleLab; Map: Axios VisualsThe number of prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs jumped roughly 10% in 2024, according to insurance claims data provided to Axios by health analytics company PurpleLab.Why it matters: The data, which shows double-digit growth in 23 states, offers a snapshot of the sustained growth in demand across the U.S. for the drugs hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity.By the numbers: Rhode Island (67.8%), Massachusetts (48%) and New Jersey (35.8%) saw the largest year-over-year growth in prescriptions dispensed between 2023 and 2024.There were declines in six states including Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, Idaho, South Dakota and Vermont.Between the lines: The most prescriptions went to adults ages 55 to 65 (29%), followed by seniors 65 and older (26%). The vast majority of prescriptions went to commercially insured patients while only 9% were written for Medicaid patients. 17% went to patients on Medicare. The data is based on roughly 7.5 billion claims from private insurers, as well as Medicare — which only covers GLP-1s to treat diabetes — and Medicaid.The data captures prescriptions for Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, which has been widely prescribed off-label for weight loss, and Wegovy, which was approved for weight loss in 2021.It also includes Eli Lilly's diabetes medication Mounjaro and its anti-obesity medication, Zepbound, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November.The data lumps the prescriptions together, so it's not possible to tease out how often these drugs are being prescribed for obesity versus diabetes or heart disease.