Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to expand availability, through strategies including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, when their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
