Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand access, by measures like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so people eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, when their typical food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
