WHO Raises Concern Over Severe Lack of Weight-Loss Medications
Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, through measures such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, because their usual hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
