Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, through strategies including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
