Less than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current best projected case, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice calls on governments and firms to increase access, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
