Under one in 10 people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase access, via measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of stopping the drug, when their normal food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
