Less than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand access, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, because their normal food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
