Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most favorable case, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, through measures like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, because their normal hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
