Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, as their usual appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
