Fewer than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, via approaches including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, when their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
