Less than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase access, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, when their typical food cravings return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
