Under 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable 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.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges governments and firms to increase availability, via approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
