Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their typical food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
