Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, as their normal food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
