Fewer than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its first guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current best projected case, the production of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand access, via approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to users may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, when their normal appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
