Less than 10% of patients who could benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it issues its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, over two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, explains the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, via strategies like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, because their usual hunger come back.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
