Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to widen access, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may see weight return a year later of halting the drug, when their normal food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
