Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, as their usual food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
