Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to widen access, through approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to people may see weight return after a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
