Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
