Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, when their typical appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
