Under a tenth of people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen access, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, when their normal food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
