Less than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their typical appetite return.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
