Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase access, via measures including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the drug, because their normal food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
