Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, by approaches including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, when their typical food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
