Fewer than 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, more than two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major hurdles to widespread availability to the treatments that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of these medications could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to widen availability, through strategies such as licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users eat less.
People usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, because their normal hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
