Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via strategies like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the drug, when their typical appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
