Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
These medications replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their typical hunger return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
