Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, because their normal food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
