Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen access, by strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their usual hunger resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
