Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its first guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand availability, through measures such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical food cravings resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
