Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so people eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
