P217 - THE INCREASE IN SEMAGLUTIDE PRESCRIPTIONS IN SLOVENIA

P217

THE INCREASE IN SEMAGLUTIDE PRESCRIPTIONS IN SLOVENIA

M. Brovč^1,*, T. Kostnapfel¹, M. Gabrijelčič¹, A. Korošec¹, M. Blaž Kovač^2,3, A. Vasle⁴, M. Majerr⁴, N. Rotovnik Kozjek^3,4

¹The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), ²Community Health Centre (ZD Ljubljana), ³University of Ljubljana, Medical faculty, ⁴Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Rationale: Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a growing global health issue. GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide — originally developed for diabetes — are now being used to treat obesity. In Slovenia, semaglutide is approved only for patients with type 2 diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) over 30. Although increasingly used off-label for rapid weight loss, it can cause severe side effects, such as muscle mass loss.

Methods: This study analyzed all semaglutide prescriptions (ATC code A10BJ06) from the National Institute of Public Health's database in Slovenia between 2021 and 2024. Using descriptive statistics, we examined the number and type of prescriptions, the dispensed defined daily doses (DDDs) and the prescribing physicians' specialties.

Results: From 2021 to 2024, annual semaglutide prescriptions rose 7.7-fold (17,074 to 131,695) and per capita this equals a rise from 8 to 62 prescriptions per 1,000 residents. DDDs increased 15.9-fold, from 269,109 to 4,273,221. In 2024, 13% of all semaglutide prescriptions were not covered by insurance. These were mostly issued by internal medicine or family and general medicine physicians, followed by physicians without completed residency and dermatovenerologists. The increase in non-covered prescriptions—particularly from specialties not typically managing diabetes—may indicate growing off-label use for obesity.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of evidence-based prescribing, supported by thorough patient monitoring and a comprehensive approach to obesity management, with an emphasis on preserving muscle mass. Specialists most frequently prescribing these treatments should be the primary focus of targeted education and awareness efforts. Standardized guidelines for obesity treatment should be developed as part of a coordinated multidisciplinary care model and applied only by appropriately trained, relevant specialists. 

Disclosure of Interest: None declared