Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, via approaches including patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the medication, when their typical food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
