Under a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
Given over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the present best projected case, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, via strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, because their normal appetite return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
