Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests users may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, as their normal appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
