Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to widen availability, through approaches like patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually begin shedding pounds in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the treatment, when their normal appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
