Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, because their normal appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
