Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs such as 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 now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase access, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, when their typical food cravings come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
