Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current 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 guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, when their normal appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
