Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, when their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
