Fewer than one in 10 people who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it issues its first advice on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable case, the production of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, per the WHO.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, as their typical food cravings come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
