Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand access, by measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, as their typical appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
