Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
