Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
People usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the treatment, when their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
