Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to expand availability, via measures including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients typically start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, because their typical appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
