Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to widen availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Patients commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their usual hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
