Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates users may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, as their typical hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
