Under 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to widen access, through strategies like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
These medications replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
