Fewer than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, notes the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies points to users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the treatment, because their normal appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
