Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial guidance on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to expand access, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
The injections mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of stopping the treatment, as their typical appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
