Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the supply of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand availability, via measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, because their usual appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
