Under 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen access, via measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
