Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its first guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift significant weight, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even in the current most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase access, by measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people eat less.
People usually see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of stopping the treatment, because their normal appetite return.
To be overweight or obese increases your chance for developing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
