Less than one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present most optimistic case, the supply of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates people may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, as their typical hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
