Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase access, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
