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 inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, via measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their typical appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
