Under one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase access, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
