Fewer than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on governments and firms to expand access, by measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
