Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through measures such as 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.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, because their normal hunger return.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
