Under one in 10 people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to expand availability, through approaches such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the drug, as their normal food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.