Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current best projected scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the treatment, as their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
