Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, by strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
