Less than 10% of people who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current best projected case, the supply of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to expand access, via measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the drug, as their usual appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
