Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for 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 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present best projected case, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, via approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the medication, as their typical food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
