Under 10% of people that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to widespread access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, because their typical appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
