Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via measures such as patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their usual food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
