Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies like patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, because their normal food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
