Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and continuous care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the organization.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice urges countries and companies to widen access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, as their usual appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
