Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Patients usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research indicates users may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, because their usual food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
