Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected scenario, the production of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase access, through strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
