Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
