Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via strategies including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
