Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users eat less.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
