Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
The injections imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return a year later of halting the medication, as their typical hunger return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
