Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to expand availability, through strategies such as licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the medication, as their typical food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
