Semaglutide in Transition: A Nationwide Register-Based Study in Finland 2019-2024
Author(s)
Fredriikka Nurminen1, Hanna Koskinen, PhD2, Heini Kari, PhD3.
1Research, Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Helsinki, Finland, 2The Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland, 3The Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Helsinki, Finland.
1Research, Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Helsinki, Finland, 2The Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland, 3The Social Insurance Institution of Finland, Helsinki, Finland.
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the use of semaglutide has expanded from treating type 2 diabetes (T2D) to treating obesity. In this nationwide retrospective register study, we examined the use of semaglutide for the treatment of T2D and obesity in Finland during 2019-2024.
METHODS: Data on all semaglutide dispensations between 2019-2024 were retrieved from national prescription registers. Use for the treatment of obesity or T2D was classified according to reimbursement status. In Finland, semaglutide is reimbursed only for the treatment of diabetes. Descriptive analyses were conducted using R.
RESULTS: The number of individuals who purchased semaglutide increased 17-fold, from 6,406 in 2019 to 109,133 in 2024. During the study period, the main use shifted from T2D to obesity (85% and 15% in 2019 vs. 47% and 53% in 2024). In all years, a higher proportion of men used semaglutide for T2D than women (53% vs. 47% in 2024). In 2024, the average age of individuals using semaglutide for T2D was higher than the age of those using it to treat obesity (64 vs. 53 years, respectively). The age and sex distribution of those using semaglutide to treat T2D remained relatively stable from 2019 to 2024. Women used semaglutide for obesity more often than men. Their proportion increased from 58% in 2019 to 71% in 2024. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of female users increased 5.6-fold and in men, the increase was 5.9-fold.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that the for semaglutide for the treatment of obesity increased substantially in Finland from 2019 to 2024, especially among women. It is expected that the demand for medications used for obesity and T2D will increase, and public payers should anticipate assessing what the roles of society and the individual are in the distribution of costs.
METHODS: Data on all semaglutide dispensations between 2019-2024 were retrieved from national prescription registers. Use for the treatment of obesity or T2D was classified according to reimbursement status. In Finland, semaglutide is reimbursed only for the treatment of diabetes. Descriptive analyses were conducted using R.
RESULTS: The number of individuals who purchased semaglutide increased 17-fold, from 6,406 in 2019 to 109,133 in 2024. During the study period, the main use shifted from T2D to obesity (85% and 15% in 2019 vs. 47% and 53% in 2024). In all years, a higher proportion of men used semaglutide for T2D than women (53% vs. 47% in 2024). In 2024, the average age of individuals using semaglutide for T2D was higher than the age of those using it to treat obesity (64 vs. 53 years, respectively). The age and sex distribution of those using semaglutide to treat T2D remained relatively stable from 2019 to 2024. Women used semaglutide for obesity more often than men. Their proportion increased from 58% in 2019 to 71% in 2024. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of female users increased 5.6-fold and in men, the increase was 5.9-fold.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that the for semaglutide for the treatment of obesity increased substantially in Finland from 2019 to 2024, especially among women. It is expected that the demand for medications used for obesity and T2D will increase, and public payers should anticipate assessing what the roles of society and the individual are in the distribution of costs.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HPR181
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Insurance Systems & National Health Care, Public Spending & National Health Expenditures, Reimbursement & Access Policy
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity)