Fewer than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase access, via measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
