Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the current best projected scenario, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to increase availability, through measures like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, as their normal appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
