Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to expand access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
