Less than one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected outlook, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand access, through approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, as their usual food cravings come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
