Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase availability, through approaches like patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
These medications mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
