Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to increase access, by strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, because their normal food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
