Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to increase availability, through strategies including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, as their usual food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
