Under 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
