Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present best projected case, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their normal appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
