The worldwide prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the last three decades, contributing to increased rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. This situation places a strain on global healthcare systems and economies. A new study, co-led by investigators from Mass General Brigham, explores the potential role of GLP-1 medications in addressing this crisis.
Study Overview and Findings
Researchers from Mass General Brigham, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health analyzed data from 99 countries, encompassing 810,635 adults. The study aimed to determine the global population potentially eligible for GLP-1 use for weight management.
- More than one-in-four adults globally would meet eligibility criteria for GLP-1s.
- Higher eligibility rates were observed among women, older individuals, and populations in low- and middle-income countries.
- These metrics are considered valuable for policy development regarding the global deployment of GLP-1s to address obesity and associated health conditions.
- The results were published in a research letter in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Jennifer Manne-Goehler, a co-senior author, stated that GLP-1 receptor agonists represent a potentially transformative and scalable tool for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other obesity-related complications. She noted that these medications have advanced the understanding that biological factors are significant in weight management, moving beyond the oversimplified advice of "eat less, move more."
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the potential of GLP-1s and is working to make them accessible. Understanding the number of people who require these medications is crucial for scaling up production and global application.
Corresponding author Dr. Sang Gune K. Yoo remarked that the analysis showing over a quarter of adults worldwide may be eligible for GLP-1s is not surprising given the rising prevalence of obesity. He highlighted the medication's potential to assist many individuals but emphasized the need for further research into its long-term safety and sustainability. Dr. Yoo also noted that access to these medications remains a significant challenge and stressed the continued importance of investing in non-pharmacological strategies for obesity prevention and treatment.
Methodology and Demographics
For their analysis, researchers utilized household health survey data collected from 99 countries between 2008 and 2021.
- Adults aged 25 to 64 with available diabetes biomarkers, blood pressure, and BMI measurements, as well as hypertension and diabetes diagnostic history, were included.
- Individuals with a BMI over 30, or a BMI over 27 accompanied by hypertension, diabetes, or both, were classified as eligible for GLP-1 use.
Eligibility Rates
- Globally, 27% of adults met the eligibility criteria for GLP-1s for weight management, with four-fifths of these individuals residing in low- and middle-income countries.
- Eligibility rates were highest in Europe and North America (42.8%) and the Pacific Islands (41.0%).
- Women exhibited higher eligibility (28.5%) than men.
- Older individuals (38.3%) showed higher rates compared to younger counterparts (17.9%).
Dr. Manne-Goehler emphasized the significant socioeconomic and gender eligibility percentages. She pointed out the high mortality rate for women from type 2 diabetes in certain regions, such as South Africa, indicating where these medicines could be particularly beneficial.
Co-lead author Dr. Felix Teufel from Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health stated that ensuring global access to GLP-1s is a matter of health equity. He indicated that the objective is to provide large-scale access to those who would benefit most, rather than focusing solely on easily reachable populations.