Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, by measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, because their usual food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
