Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their normal food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your chance for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
