Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their typical appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
