Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to widen access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, as their typical hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
