Top GLP-1 prescription indications include sleep apnea, depression and kidney disease, study finds

June 30, 2026 - 15:13

A new analysis of insurance claims data reveals that prescriptions for GLP-1 medications are increasingly being approved for conditions far beyond their original use for diabetes and weight loss. The report, based on payer data from Trilliant Health, found that sleep apnea, depression, and chronic kidney disease are now among the top approved indications for these drugs.

The findings highlight a rapid shift in how insurers and doctors view these treatments. As prescriptions for popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide have surged, the number of approved benefits for off-label uses has also climbed sharply. Researchers noted that the trend is driven by growing evidence that these medications may reduce inflammation and improve metabolic health in ways that benefit multiple organ systems.

For sleep apnea, the connection appears tied to weight reduction, which can ease airway obstruction. For depression and kidney disease, the mechanisms are less clear but may involve anti-inflammatory effects and improved blood sugar control. The study suggests that as more clinical trials emerge, the list of approved uses will likely keep expanding.

The data underscores a broader transformation in medicine, where a class of drugs originally designed for diabetes is now being repositioned as a treatment for a wide range of chronic conditions. Insurers, however, remain cautious, with many requiring prior authorization and proof of medical necessity before covering these higher-cost prescriptions.