Fewer than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be treated with holistic and ongoing support," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase availability, through approaches like licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
People commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the medication, as their usual hunger return.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
