Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, via approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, as their typical hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
