Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on governments and firms to widen access, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
