Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their usual appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
