Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to expand access, by approaches like patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users eat less.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
