Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, because their usual hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
