Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
