Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase access, through measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
