Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift considerable body mass, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, via strategies like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
These medications replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, as their typical food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
