Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their typical appetite return.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
