Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Supply Crisis
Even in the present most favorable outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, via measures like licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates patients may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, because their typical hunger return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
