Under 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, via approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, when their typical hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
