Under 10% of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their usual food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
