Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its first advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, as their typical hunger return.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
