Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, through measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, because their typical hunger return.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
