Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, as their usual hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
