Less than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
