Less than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable case, the production of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their normal appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
