Fewer than one in 10 people eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
