Fewer than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the present most favorable case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, as their typical appetite return.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
