Under one in 10 people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on governments and firms to expand availability, via measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, as their usual hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
