Fewer than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to universal availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the current best projected scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges governments and firms to expand access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
People commonly start to lose weight in the initial weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies suggests users may see weight return a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their typical appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in all nations and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
