Less than one in 10 people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to increase access, through measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
