Under a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
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 health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
