Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, when their usual food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
