Less than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, as their typical hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
