Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so people eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, when their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
