Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to increase access, via strategies like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, when their usual hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.