Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand access, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their typical hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
