Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
