Less than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand availability, through strategies such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
