Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms 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 logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to users may see weight return after a year of stopping the medication, because their typical food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
