Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, as their typical food cravings come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
