Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their typical appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
