Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their typical hunger return.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
