Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to widen access, through measures including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research suggests people may see weight return within a year of halting the medication, because their usual hunger return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
