Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, as their normal appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
