Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice urges governments and firms to expand access, through approaches such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
