Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, through measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the drug, when their normal appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for developing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
