Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
Given more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the present most optimistic case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to expand availability, by measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, when their typical appetite resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
