Less than a tenth of people that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, caution the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Even in the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen availability, by approaches including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies suggests users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their typical hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
