Less than a tenth of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even under the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to widen availability, by measures like patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence suggests patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, as their typical hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
