Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most favorable case, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, when their normal hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
