Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the drug, because their normal hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
