Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, via measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their typical food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
