Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual food cravings come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
