Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic case, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by strategies 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.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people eat less.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, because their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
