Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice calls on governments and firms to widen access, via strategies such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests patients may see weight return after a year of halting the medication, because their normal hunger return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
