Less than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of halting the medication, because their typical hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
