Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand access, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, as their normal hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
