World Health Organization Raises Concern Over Critical Lack of Weight-Loss Medications
Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.