Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to expand access, through approaches including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, because their normal food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
