Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures such as patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, because their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
