Under one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase availability, through approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to people may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the drug, as their typical hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
