Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, through approaches including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
