Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via strategies 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 nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
