Fewer than 10% of people eligible to benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The advice calls on governments and firms to expand access, by approaches like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your likelihood for developing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
