Less than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, when their typical appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
