Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research suggests patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
