Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, through approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, as their normal food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
