Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand availability, by strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
