Less than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal availability to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, through measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, as their normal food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
