Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through measures including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their typical appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
