Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, as their normal hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
