Under one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase access, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
