Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial recommendations on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase availability, by approaches like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so people eat less.
Patients commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual appetite return.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for developing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
