Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected case, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
