Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current best projected outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so people eat less.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, when their typical appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
