Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, as their normal appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
