Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, when their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
