Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their usual appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
