Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from obesity jabs such as Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and ongoing care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are key barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
People usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, as their typical food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
