Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase availability, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
