Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the drug, as their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
