Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected scenario, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to widen access, via strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
People commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, because their normal appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
