Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable case, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand availability, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so users eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their typical appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
