Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return after a year of stopping the medication, as their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
