Less than 10% of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to widen availability, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates people may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their typical hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
