Under one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to expand access, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the primary component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
The injections mimick a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users eat less.
Patients usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, as their typical appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your chance for developing diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in every country and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
