Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, when their typical food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
