Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, because their typical food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
