Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, by approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
