Under 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their normal food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
