Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, through measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
