Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their normal hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
