Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
