Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the present best projected scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, as their typical food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
