Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users eat less.
People typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates patients may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, as their usual hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
