Less than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges countries and companies to increase access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, as their normal hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
