Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost satiety so people eat less.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their typical food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
