Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research indicates people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the medication, when their typical appetite return.
Being overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
