Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Adult Americans are flocking to pharmacies to begin weight-loss treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications. This study analyzed the association between using GLP-1s for diabetes or weight-loss and the frequency of doctor visits and newly diagnosed comorbidities using a nationally representative real-world dataset.
METHODS: Data from the 2024 US National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative, general population survey of adults, were used. The study included those diagnosed with Type-2 Diabetes (T2D) or those taking steps to lose weight. Then, the sample was divided into those taking a GLP-1 vs. those not taking a GLP-1.
RESULTS: From 75,013 total survey respondents, 26,061 respondents reported being diagnosed with T2D or taking steps to lose weight, but not taking a GLP-1 and 2,945 respondents reported currently taking a GLP-1. GLP-1 users were more likely to visit their general practitioner (68.8% vs. 60.3%, p<0.05) and visit any healthcare provider (HCP; 97.1% vs. 88.3%, p<0.05) in the past six months. They also had a greater number of visits (8.6 vs. 4.7, p<0.05) to a healthcare provider. In the past two years, GLP-1 users also were more significantly likely to be diagnosed with asthma, COPD, diabetes, NAFLD, NASH or sleep apnea (all p<0.05). Both groups had similar numbers of being diagnosed with high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation (all p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: This nationally representative survey showed that GLP-1 users were having higher rates of new diagnoses for common chronic conditions than non-GLP-1 users. These findings suggest that individuals taking GLP-1 medications are visiting their HCPs more frequently and engaging in conversations with various HCPs. As a result, HCPs were able to diagnose conditions that may have previously been overlooked or untreated. Use of GLP-1 may have a positive halo effect on health management as a result of greater patient and HCP engagement.