Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
