Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen availability, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
