Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on governments and firms to increase availability, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, because their usual food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
