Fewer than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the production of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by measures including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
