Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may see weight return within a year of stopping the medication, when their normal food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
