Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, by approaches such as patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, when their typical hunger return.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
