Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so people eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
