Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, through measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
