Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures such as patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the medication, as their typical food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
