Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most favorable case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, when their normal hunger return.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
