Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Given more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to broad access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Shortage
Even in the current best projected case, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to expand access, by strategies such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates people may see weight return after a year of stopping the medication, when their normal appetite return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
