Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the present most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their typical appetite return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
