Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, notes the agency.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, by measures including patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests users may see weight return after a year of stopping the treatment, because their normal hunger come back.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects people in every country and was linked to millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
