Fewer than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
