Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, by approaches like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, when their typical appetite return.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
