Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic case, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, through approaches like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the treatment, as their typical hunger resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
