Under a tenth of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to expand availability, through measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, as their normal food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
