Under one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, because their usual food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
