Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present best projected outlook, the production of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your chance for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
