Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice urges governments and firms to expand availability, through approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users eat less.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their typical food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
