Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand access, via measures including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, when their usual appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
