Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies indicates patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their usual appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
