Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand access, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
