Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase availability, via strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
