Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so individuals eat less.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return a year later of halting the drug, as their usual hunger return.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.