Under one in 10 individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs might only reach approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, via strategies like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users eat less.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence suggests users may put most of the weight back on within a year of stopping the medication, because their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
