Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected case, the production of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, via approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may see weight return after a year of halting the medication, because their usual food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
