Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to widen availability, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their normal hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
