Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, because their typical food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for developing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
