Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to widen access, via measures including patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their normal food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
