Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, through approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
