Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present most optimistic case, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to widen availability, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, when their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
