Under one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, as their typical hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
