Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to widen availability, through measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, when their typical hunger resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
