Under a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the medication, because their usual appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
