Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, when their typical hunger return.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
