Under one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice urges governments and firms to increase access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, when their typical food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
