GLP-1 drugs may reach fewer than one in 10 people who need them, experts predict

The World Robustness Organization WHO has released its official guidance on the use of GLP- drugs for treating obesity GLP- drugs are medications that mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide- GLP- which are the greater part commonly used for type diabetes and medicinal weight loss The first guideline published on Dec aims to address the growing global fitness challenge of obesity WHO wrote in a press release WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS COULD ADD YEARS TO AMERICANS' LIVES RESEARCHERS PROJECTObesity affects more than one billion people globally and was associated with million deaths The number of people with obesity is expected to double by While GLP- medications were added to the WHO s Essential Medicines List for managing type diabetes in high-risk groups in September the new guideline adds two key conditional recommendations for people with obesity GLP- therapies may be used by adults but excluding pregnant women for the long-term healing of obesity the first condition states While the efficacy of these therapies in treating obesity and improving metabolic and other outcomes was evident the recommendation is conditional due to limited details on their long-term efficacy and safety maintenance and discontinuation their current costs inadequate health-system preparedness and anticipated equity implications The second condition allows intensive behavioral interventions including healthy diets regular physical activity and advocacy from fitness professionals to be offered to adults with obesity who are prescribed a GLP- as part of a comprehensive approach In addition to the fitness impacts the cost of obesity is projected to hit trillion annually by The WHO s guideline attempts to reduce skyrocketing vitality costs associated with management of the condition and other complications The WHO guideline emphasized the importance of fair access to GLP- therapies CLICK HERE FOR MORE WELLBEING STORIES Without deliberate policies access to these therapies could exacerbate existing physical condition disparities they wrote WHO calls for urgent action on manufacturing affordability and system readiness to meet global requirements Despite the rapid expansion of GLP- production the wellbeing agency revealed that by these therapies are predicted to reach less than of people who could benefit from them The guideline calls on the global district to consider strategies to expand access such as pooled procurement tiered pricing and voluntary licensing among others WHO stated CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ROBUSTNESS NEWSLETTERDr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus director-general of WHO wrote in a comment addressing the guideline that obesity is a major global soundness challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it effectively and equitably Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic malady that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care he mentioned While medication alone won t solve this global physical condition emergency GLP- therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms The agency added that obesity is a complex chronic infection that is a driver of other illnesses like cardiovascular malady type diabetes and particular cancers While GLP- therapies alone won t solve the obesity challenge these therapies represent the first efficacious cure option for adults WHO stated TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZThe organization stressed that obesity requires creating healthier environments to promote wellness and prevent obesity protecting high-risk individuals through screening and early interventions and ensuring lifelong access to healthcare