Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected scenario, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand availability, by measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so people eat less.
Patients commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their typical hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
