Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand access, by approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to people may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, because their usual hunger return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
