Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to expand availability, by measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, because their typical appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
