Fewer than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, when their usual food cravings come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
