Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the production of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, through approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, because their usual food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
