Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase availability, through measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so users eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
