Less than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their normal hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
