Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, via measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, because their usual hunger resume.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
