Less than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the organization.
Weight-Loss Drug Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand availability, through approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so people reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research indicates patients may see weight return a year later of halting the medication, when their normal food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
