Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and ongoing care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected case, the production of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase availability, via measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the medication, as their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
