Less than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase access, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, because their usual food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
