Under one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, by strategies like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
