Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, via approaches like patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual food cravings come back.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
