Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through measures such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies points to people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the medication, as their normal food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
