Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges countries and companies to widen availability, via strategies like patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance satiety so users eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence indicates people may put most of the weight back on a year later of stopping the medication, as their normal appetite come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
