Less than 10% of people who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Even under the present best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, via approaches including patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Function
These medications mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the medication, because their usual food cravings resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
