Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, because their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
