Less than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, as their normal appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
