Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic case, the production of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, via approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, as their normal food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
