Fewer than 10% of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Despite the present most favorable case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to widen availability, through measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
