Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift significant weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, through strategies like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, because their normal hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
