Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase access, via strategies including licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
