Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the treatment, as their typical hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
