Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even in the present best projected scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to widen access, via approaches such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal appetite return.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
