Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, as their typical food cravings return.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
