Fewer than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, when their usual appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
