Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic case, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates people may see weight return after a year of stopping the medication, when their typical appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
