Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand access, through approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their typical hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
