Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, because their usual appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
