Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen availability, via approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research indicates users may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the treatment, as their typical hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
