Under one in 10 patients who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the therapies.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with thorough and lifelong care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and boost satiety so users eat less.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the medication, when their usual food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
