Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic case, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures including patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, when their usual hunger resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
