Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it releases its first advice on the therapies.
Given over a billion people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major barriers to universal availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The guideline urges governments and firms to increase access, via strategies such as voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance satiety so individuals consume fewer calories.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, when their typical hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight elevates your likelihood for experiencing medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
