Under 10% of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it issues its first guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic case, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages countries and companies to widen availability, by strategies like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Operate
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so people eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, because their normal appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
