Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, through approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people eat less.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, when their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
