Under one in 10 people who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, via measures such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to users may see weight return a year later of halting the medication, when their normal hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
