Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates users may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, as their normal appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
