Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected outlook, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their typical appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
