Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
People typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their usual appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
