Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase access, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
