Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
