Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from weight-loss injections including Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the present best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The advice encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, via strategies including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates people may see weight return a year later of stopping the drug, because their usual food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
