Less than one in 10 patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic outlook, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures like patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the drug, when their typical appetite resume.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
