Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
With over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
These medications imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests users may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, because their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
