Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen access, by approaches including patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research points to users may see weight return a year later of halting the medication, as their usual food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.