Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, through measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Patients usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the drug, because their normal appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
