Fewer than one in 10 patients who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase availability, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, as their usual appetite come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
