Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen access, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the drug, when their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
