Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand availability, through measures like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the drug, as their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
