Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The advice calls on governments and firms to expand access, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, when their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
