Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current best projected case, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase availability, by approaches such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
