Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, because their usual appetite return.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
