Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it issues its first advice on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even under the current best projected case, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase access, via measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the treatment, because their typical food cravings come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
