Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen availability, through strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
