Under 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand access, via measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, because their normal hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
