Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, through strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the drug, because their normal appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
