Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase availability, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, because their usual appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
