Less than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
