Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to widen access, by measures including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the drug, when their usual appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
