Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it releases its initial advice on the drugs.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with comprehensive and lifelong treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline calls on countries and companies to increase availability, by measures such as licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their usual appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting health problems, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
