Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, when their normal hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
