Under one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to widen access, via measures such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates users may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, because their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
