Fewer than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic case, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase availability, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
