Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase access, through strategies such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their typical food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
