Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, when their usual food cravings return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
