Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice encourages governments and firms to widen availability, by approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their normal hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
