By SA国际传媒 Staff
BOSTON 鈥� More than 137 million U.S. adults, accounting for over half of the adult population, are medically eligible for semaglutide treatment for weight loss, diabetes management or cardiovascular disease prevention, according to new research from (BIDMC).
The analysis, presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and published in , emphasizes the growing role of semaglutide and similar drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, in addressing major health challenges. Researchers warn that increasing demand for these effective but costly treatments is expected to significantly impact healthcare spending.
鈥淭hese staggering numbers mean that we are likely to see large increases in spending on semaglutide and related medications in years to come,鈥� said Dr. Dhruv S. Kazi, associate director of the Smith Center for Outcomes Research at BIDMC. 鈥淓nsuring equitable access to these effective but high-cost medications, as well as supporting individuals so that they can stay on the therapy long-term, should be a priority for our clinicians and policymakers.鈥�
Semaglutide, which is approved for managing diabetes, obesity and preventing recurrent cardiovascular events, is already the nation鈥檚 top-selling drug by pharmaceutical spending. Its use is expanding rapidly as studies reveal benefits for conditions like sleep apnea, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Ongoing trials are exploring its potential in treating liver and kidney diseases, substance use disorders and dementia.
The BIDMC researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a federally managed program, to determine eligibility. Of the 136.8 million eligible adults, 129.2 million qualify for weight loss, 35.0 million for diabetes management and 8.9 million for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. About 15 million Americans currently take semaglutide.
The study highlights economic barriers as a key challenge, noting that over half of users report affordability issues.
鈥淭he large number of U.S. adults eligible for semaglutide highlights its potential transformative impact on population health,鈥� said Dr. Ivy Shi, the study鈥檚 co-author. 鈥淚nterventions to reduce economic barriers to access are urgently needed.鈥�
Semaglutide-eligible individuals include 26.8 million Medicare beneficiaries, 13.8 million Medicaid recipients and 61.1 million with commercial insurance.
The research team included Ivy Shi, MD, MBA, Robert W. Yeh, MD, MSc, MBA, and other leading experts from BIDMC and Northwestern University.
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