Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, when their usual food cravings resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your likelihood for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
