Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, because their usual hunger resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
