Under 10% of people that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its first advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even in the current best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to expand access, by approaches such as patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the medication, as their typical appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
