Under 10% of people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity 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," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase access, via measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
