Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected case, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, through measures like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests patients may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
