Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, as their usual hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
