Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, as their normal hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
