Less than 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to widen availability, via strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, because their normal appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
