Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to expand availability, through strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
