Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic case, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to expand availability, through measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, as their normal food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
