Under a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present most favorable case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, when their typical appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
