Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to widen availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
