Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, through strategies such as licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
