Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to widen access, through measures such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the treatment, when their usual hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
