Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, via approaches including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their normal appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
