Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, via approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
