Less than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, as their normal hunger come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
