Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people eat less.
People typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to people may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your risk for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
