Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, as their normal hunger return.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
