Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, by strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, when their normal hunger return.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for developing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
