Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages governments and firms to increase access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, as their typical appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
