Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the treatment, as their typical hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
