Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected scenario, the production of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand access, by measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, as their usual hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
