Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the present best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to users may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, when their normal appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
