Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present most favorable case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
