Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to widen availability, through measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
