Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the production of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase access, through measures like patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates users may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, because their typical hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
