Less than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase availability, through measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
