Under 10% of people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected outlook, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by approaches including patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, as their usual appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.