Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, as their usual appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
