Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research points to users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical food cravings return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
