Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to increase access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, because their typical hunger resume.
Being carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
