(102) Utilization of drugs with weight loss effect in Norway 2017-2023

Background: A paradigm shift in management of obesity has occurred by drugs used for diabetes.

Objectives: We examined the use of anti-obesity drugs in Norway from 2017 to 2023.

Methods: We identified adults (18-79 years) who filled prescriptions on glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (liraglutide: Saxenda®, semaglutide: Ozempic® without reimbursement and Wegovy®) and bupropion-naltrexone (Mysimba®) in the Norwegian Prescribed Drug Register. Total population numbers were obtained from Statistics Norway. We calculated yearly and quarterly prevalence by sex and age-groups. Additional analyses to explore reimbursement changes.

Results: Use of drugs with weight loss effect showed a strong sex and age gradient with a predominance in women and in the age-groups 40-49 and 50-59 years. Following reimbursement changes in 2020, anti-obesity drug use increased. After changes in 2023, there was a shift in patients' and doctors' drug preferences. In Q4 2022, GLP-1 RA liraglutide peaked with prevalence 0.67% (1.01% in women, 0.35% in men), and decreased to 0.40% in Q2 2023. The use of semaglutide [Ozempic® “off-label” (used for obesity, without reimbursement)], also peaked in Q4 2022 (0.53% prevalent users, 0.84% in women, 0.23% in men). After introduction of semaglutide with indication for obesity (Wegovy®) in Q1 2023, the number of Ozempic® users stabilized. Bupropion-naltrexone also peaked in Q4 2022 (0.53% prevalent users) and then decreased in 2023.

Conclusions: Use of drugs with weight loss effect in Norway have increased steeply in recent years, especially in middle-aged women. From 2023 the use of Wegovy increased darmatically and other drugs with weight loss effect decreased.