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January 29, 2025 – A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that prescriptions for obesity management drugs (OMDs) have significantly increased in recent years. Researchers also observed a strong correlation between the rise in prescriptions and online search trends for these medications.
Dr. Philipp Berning and colleagues from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine conducted a repeated cross-sectional study examining prescription patterns and public engagement with OMDs through online searches. Their analysis highlighted the growing adoption of obesity treatments among clinicians and the increasing public interest in these drugs.
Key Findings
The study reported a total of 69,213,936 OMD prescriptions dispensed in the United States during the study period. The annual growth rate of prescriptions was calculated at 5.3%, with a notable increase from 1.29 million prescriptions in March 2023 to 1.51 million in February 2024. In February 2024 alone, OMD prescriptions accounted for 0.41% of all medications prescribed that month.
Among the most commonly prescribed OMDs were:
- Phentermine – 0.74 million monthly prescriptions (February 2024)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy) – 0.42 million monthly prescriptions
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound) – 0.25 million monthly prescriptions
The study also found that online searches for these drugs closely mirrored prescription trends. In February 2024, Wegovy, Zepbound, and phentermine had respective search rates of 636.3, 468.9, and 301.8 per 10 million searches, demonstrating strong public interest. Wegovy and Zepbound exhibited the highest correlation between prescription volumes and search frequency.
Implications for Healthcare
The findings indicate a rapid adoption of newer obesity treatments, including by nonphysician healthcare professionals. The authors suggest that these insights could be useful for policymakers and healthcare providers in understanding the evolving landscape of obesity management.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
One of the study authors disclosed financial ties to the biopharmaceutical industry, a factor that readers should consider when interpreting the findings.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before starting any new medication. The study’s findings reflect observed trends and do not necessarily imply causation between online searches and prescription rates.
