Under one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its first recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, because their typical hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
