Fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to expand access, via measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, because their normal hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
