Under a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on countries and companies to increase access, via approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, because their usual appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese increases your risk for developing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
