Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase availability, through strategies including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for developing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
