WHO Sounds Concern Over Acute Lack of Obesity Injections
Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the production of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, as their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
