Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to widen availability, via approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
