Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand availability, by approaches including licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, when their normal hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
