Estimating Eligibility for
GLP
‐1 Receptor Agonists for Chronic Weight Management and Cardiovascular Disease in Australia: Cross‐Sectional Analysis of National Health Survey Data
Jasmin Castrillon, Chris Schilling, Sharmala Thuraisingam, Michael W. Hii, Priya Sumithran, Peter F. Choong, Michelle M. Dowsey, Cade Shadbolt ABSTRACT
Objective
To estimate population‐level eligibility for glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) medications among adults in Australia, according to Therapeutic Goods Administration‐approved indications for chronic weight management and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals with overweight or obesity.
Study Type
Cross‐sectional analysis of data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022 National Health Survey.
Setting, Participants
Non‐pregnant adults aged ≥ 18 years who were residents of Australia living in a private dwelling.
Main Outcome Measures
Total number of adults eligible for GLP‐1RA medications according to approved indications for chronic weight management and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals with overweight or obesity, across subgroups defined by body mass index, weight‐related comorbidities and/or sociodemographic factors.
Results
Overall, 39.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.4%–41.0%) of adults were eligible for GLP‐1RA use for chronic weight management, accounting for 7.8 million (95% CI, 7.6–8.1 million) individuals. Among those eligible, 2.9 million (95% CI, 2.7–3.1 million) adults had no weight‐related comorbidities, 3.3 million (95% CI, 3.1–3.4 million) adults had one weight‐related comorbidity and 1.7 million (95% CI, 1.6–1.8 million) adults had at least two weight‐related comorbidities. The proportion of adults eligible under this indication varied across clinical and sociodemographic factors. Among those eligible under the chronic weight management indication, up to 338.9 thousand (95% CI, 271.3–406.5 thousand) adults also met the indication criteria for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion
About 7.8 million Australian adults are eligible to access GLP‐1RAs for chronic weight management, with up to 338.9 thousand adults also qualifying according to the indication for established cardiovascular disease. This study provides a valuable reference for policymakers to understand the number of adults in Australia who may access GLP‐1RA medications based on approved indication criteria and under various coverage scenarios.