Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, via strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their normal food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
