Under one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to widen access, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
