Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and lifelong treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Research suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the drug, when their usual food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
