Under 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase access, by measures like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
