Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, via measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, because their typical appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
