Under one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, by measures including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
