Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their usual appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
