Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
