Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase access, via measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
