Under a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, because their typical appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
