Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to people may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the medication, because their usual hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
