Under a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to universal availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand access, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, because their normal hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
