Fewer than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the production of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, through approaches like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, when their usual appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight increases your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
