Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen access, by measures like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so users eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, when their typical hunger return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
