Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical food cravings come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
