Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand access, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the medication, when their typical hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
