Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to increase availability, through strategies including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return after a year of halting the medication, because their usual appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
