Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand access, by measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, when their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
