Under one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen access, via approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
