Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it issues its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen access, by measures including voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, because their usual hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
