Fewer than one in 10 patients that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its inaugural guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to increase availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
