Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through strategies including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their usual food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
