Under a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, through measures including patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual hunger come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
