Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, when their normal appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
