Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic case, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via measures including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, when their normal food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
