Under a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen availability, through measures such as patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, when their typical hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
