Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, as their typical food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
