Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, because their normal appetite return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
