New Delhi

Fewer than one in 10 people worldwide who could benefit from new obesity medications including popular drugs like Wegovy are currently able to access them, the World Health Organization has warned in its first set of guidelines on these treatments.

With obesity affecting over one billion people today, the WHO is calling for fairer and more widespread access to GLP-1 based therapies. If urgent action is not taken, that number is projected to climb above two billion by 2030.

High treatment costs, limited manufacturing capacity, and ongoing supply issues are major barriers preventing access to these medicines, which have shown promising results in helping people achieve significant and sustained weight loss.

The WHO has already included these drugs on its essential medicines list for patients with diabetes who are overweight, urging countries to make them available through national health systems.

A shift in understanding obesity

WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said obesity must be recognised as a chronic condition that requires lifelong management:

“While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its related health risks.”

The organisation says these medicines sometimes referred to as “skinny jabs” represent an important shift in how society views obesity: no longer simply as a lifestyle issue but as a serious and treatable disease influenced by biological and environmental factors.

These drugs are typically taken for at least six months and must be paired with lifestyle guidance on healthy eating and physical activity to help people maintain the weight they lose.

Short supply and high demand

Even under the most optimistic projections, global production of GLP-1 drugs would reach only around 100 million people far below the number who could benefit.

The WHO is urging pharmaceutical companies and governments to support greater access through measures like voluntary licensing, which allows other manufacturers to produce more affordable generic versions.

The patent for semaglutide,the key ingredient in Wegovy will expire in several major markets from 2026, paving the way for cheaper alternatives in countries including India, China, Canada, Brazil, and Turkey.

How the injections work

GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone that slows digestion and helps reduce appetite, making users feel fuller for longer. Many patients begin to lose weight within weeks of starting weekly injections. However, research suggests weight may return if treatment is stopped, as appetite and cravings often increase again.

Obesity is linked to higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and several cancers. In 2024 alone, it contributed to an estimated 3.7 million deaths worldwide, according to the WHO.

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As concerns grow and demand continues to surge, the WHO says improving healthy environments alongside expanding treatment access will be crucial in tackling the global obesity crisis.