Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected case, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, when their normal hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
