Under a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
