Less than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand access, through measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests people may see weight return a year later of halting the drug, because their typical appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
