Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to expand access, by measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, because their normal appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
