Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase access, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, when their typical food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
