Sex-specific changes in GLP-1RA trends (2019-2024): Impact of FDA approval of semaglutide (Wegovy) for chronic weight management in the United States.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Interrupted time-series quasi-experimental study using longitudinal commercial claims data
PubMed 41669827 · doi:10.1111/dom.70555
What was done
Analyzed MarketScan commercial claims data from 2019 to 2024 using an interrupted time series design with segmented regression. The study evaluated monthly GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) utilization per 10,000 eligible individuals 30 months before and 31 months after the June 2021 US FDA approval of semaglutide (Wegovy) for chronic weight management. Post-intervention slope changes were compared between males and females using rate ratios (RR) across subgroups (adults, adolescents, non-diabetic, diabetic) and specific medications.
What was found
Pre-approval utilization trends were similar between males and females. Following the approval, female utilization increased at a significantly steeper slope than male utilization. By January 2024, utilization rates per 10,000 individuals and female-to-male rate ratios were: - Adults: RR 2.68 (females: 163.06 vs. males: 60.84 per 10,000) - Adolescents: RR 2.74 (females: 2.63 vs. males: 0.96 per 10,000) - Non-diabetic patients: RR 2.86 (females: 130.68 vs. males: 45.55 per 10,000) - Diabetic patients: RR 2.20 (females: 43.57 vs. males: 19.77 per 10,000) Individual drugs driving the largest sex differences in January 2024 were Wegovy (RR 4.03; females 57.86 vs. males 14.37 per 10,000), Ozempic (RR 2.13; females 35.12 vs. males 16.46 per 10,000), and Mounjaro (RR 1.74; females 52.72 vs. males 30.29 per 10,000).
Why it matters
The approval of semaglutide for obesity management substantially widened the sex gap in GLP-1RA uptake, with women adopting these therapies across indications at more than double the rate of men.
Limits
The abstract does not state the total number of individuals analyzed. Data are limited to commercially insured patients in the MarketScan database, excluding populations on public insurance (Medicaid/Medicare), the uninsured, or those obtaining GLP-1RAs outside commercial insurance claims (such as compounding pharmacies or direct out-of-pocket payment). Reasons underlying differential prescribing or adherence between sexes were not assessed.
Cited by
- supports Ozempic and Wegovy received FDA approval for weight loss around late 2021 and 2022.