Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so people eat less.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, because their normal hunger return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
