Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase access, by approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, as their normal food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
