Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
