Under 10% of patients eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase availability, through measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may see weight return a year later of stopping the medication, as their normal food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
