Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
