Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable case, the production of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase availability, by measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the treatment, because their usual hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
