Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to widen availability, by measures like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
These medications mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of halting the medication, when their normal food cravings return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
