Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice urges governments and firms to increase access, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, because their usual food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for experiencing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
