Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current best projected outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so people eat less.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, when their usual appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
