Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the drug, as their typical appetite return.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
