Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to users may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the treatment, when their normal appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
