The surge in prescriptions for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists among adolescents and young adults has been exponential in recent years. According to data from pharmacy records, the number of individuals aged 12 to 25 who were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists skyrocketed from 8,722 to 60,567 per month from 2020 to 2023, marking an astonishing 594.4% increase. This data, disclosed by Dr. Joyce M. Lee and her team from the University of Michigan Medical School, shed light on a significant demand for these medications among younger populations.
During the study period, there were noticeable discrepancies in the dispensing of GLP-1 agonists between males and females. The data revealed that girls and young women accounted for a majority of the prescription fills, with 60% of adolescents and 76.4% of young adults receiving these medications being female. Dr. Lee proposed that this gender skew might reflect a societal bias towards weight in females, indicating a deeper issue concerning body image and healthcare disparities.
Analysis of GLP-1 Agents
The analysis included various agents such as dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, all belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. While dulaglutide and exenatide are approved for adolescents and adults with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide and semaglutide are also endorsed for weight management in both adult and pediatric patients. On the other hand, tirzepatide is limited to diabetes and weight management in adults only. Despite recent FDA approvals for weight loss indications in younger patients, there remains limited knowledge about the utilization of these medications in adolescents and young adults.
Regional and Insurance Trends
The dispensing of GLP-1 receptor agonists showed a regional concentration in the South, where nearly half of adolescents and young adults prescribed these medications resided. Among adolescents, Medicaid was the most common insurance provider, while young adults mostly relied on commercial insurance coverage. The distribution of prescribers varied, with endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, and family medicine providers playing key roles in initiating GLP-1 agonist therapy in both age groups.
Dr. Lee highlighted the necessity for increased education and training for primary care physicians due to shortages of endocrinologists and obesity medicine specialists. She emphasized the importance of understanding the potential long-term side effects and effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly in younger individuals. As the utilization of these medications becomes more prevalent in youth populations, the medical community must address additional risks, such as those related to reproductive health, to ensure safe and appropriate prescribing practices.
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