Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen availability, by measures such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their typical appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
