Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand availability, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of halting the drug, because their usual appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
