Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to widen availability, via approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
These medications replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their usual appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
