WHO Issues Warning Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Medications

Under a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.

Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.

According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.

"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the body.

GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity

Despite the present best projected case, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.

The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen access, via strategies like voluntary licensing.

The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.

The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate

GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.

People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.

Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical food cravings return.

Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.

Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.