Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand availability, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests people may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, when their typical hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
