Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, via approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the medication, when their normal food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
