Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, through strategies like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may see weight return a year later of stopping the treatment, because their usual appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
