Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, because their typical food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
