Obesity and cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome cases surge across the US. Drugs like GLP-1RAs, SGLT2is, and nsMRAs gain broader FDA nods. Still, we lack clear data on eligible adults. This study published in the JAMA Cardiology sizes up the opportunity. It draws from national surveys, community cohorts, and clinic records. Results demand to rethink screening in daily practice.
Data from Diverse Real-World Sources
NHANES covers 245 million adults, mean age 47 years, 52% female. Five cohorts pool 30,929 people, mean age 63 years, 54% female—from Framingham to ARIC studies. Clinic data includes BIDMC's 84,714 patients (mean age 46 years, 60% female) and MGB's 362,485 (mean age 48 years, 61% female). Analysis spanned November 2024 to 2025. Overall, 60% in NHANES (148 million), 61% in cohorts, 42% in BIDMC, and 46% in MGB meet criteria for one or more drugs.
Eligibility Patterns: GLP-1RAs Dominate
GLP-1RA tops at 56% in NHANES—137.1 million adults. Cohorts show 49%, BIDMC 41%, MGB 46%. SGLT2i eligibility hits 24% (57.9 million) in NHANES, 33% in cohorts, 14% in clinics. nsMRA lags at 5% (11.7 million) in NHANES and cohorts, 1-2% in ambulatory care. Combo eligibility surprises: 12-17% for GLP-1RA plus SGLT2i, 1-5% for all three (11.7 million in NHANES).
Why This Matters in Clinical Practice
Nearly 150 million patients wait for these proven CKM therapies. Triple therapy fits 11.7 million. Prioritize FDA checks to boost outcomes now.
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Key highlights
- 60% of NHANES participants, or 148 million US adults, qualify for at least one CKM medication class.
- GLP-1RA eligibility reaches 56% in NHANES, representing 137.1 million adults.
- SGLT2i criteria apply to 24% in NHANES (57.9 million) and 33% in pooled cohorts.
- 12% to 17% of adults meet overlapping indications for GLP-1RA and SGLT2i.
- Up to 5% qualify for all three therapies, including 11.7 million from NHANES data.
Source
Mounsey LA, Chitsazan M, Shi I, et al. Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Medication Eligibility Across National Survey, Community-Based, and Ambulatory Healthcare Samples. JAMA Cardiol. Published online January 28, 2026. doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2025.5305
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Shocking new data shows 60% of US adults—148 million—qualify for GLP-1RAs, SGLT2is, or nsMRAs amid rising CKM syndrome. It calls for urgent prescribing to close the treatment gap.
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