Under a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to widen availability, by approaches like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, because their usual appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
