Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its first advice on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via measures like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, because their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
