Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the drug, when their typical appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
