Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand access, via approaches like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their usual appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
