Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, through strategies including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research points to users may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, because their typical food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
