Less than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current best projected case, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, because their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
