Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, because their usual appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
