Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the drug, when their normal hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
