Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its first recommendations on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase availability, through measures such as patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
