Under a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to widen availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
