Less than 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, through approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research indicates patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the medication, as their typical appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
