Under a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected outlook, the production of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, by approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple 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 individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, as their typical hunger return.
Being carrying excess weight increases your chance for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
