Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to widen availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their normal hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
