Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, via measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal food cravings return.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
