Under a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their usual food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
