Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
The injections replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, because their usual appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
