Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, through approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, because their normal appetite return.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
