Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, by measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, as their typical hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
