Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key hurdles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand availability, by measures such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the medication, when their normal food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
