Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase access, by approaches 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.
How Obesity Injections Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the medication, when their typical food cravings come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
