Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
According to estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, notes the body.
GLP-1 Therapy Supply Crisis
Even under the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand availability, via measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Evidence indicates patients may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the medication, as their usual hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.