Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its initial guidance on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present best projected case, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their normal hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your risk for experiencing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
