Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to expand access, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates patients may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, when their normal food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
