Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to expand access, by strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, when their normal food cravings come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
