Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, via measures like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
