Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand access, through measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their typical hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
