Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase access, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their normal hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
