Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current best projected scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, when their typical hunger come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
