Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to expand access, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
