Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen access, by measures including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the drug, because their normal food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
