Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, by strategies including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so people consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, because their normal hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
