Fewer than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the present most favorable case, the manufacturing of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to increase access, via measures like voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in several countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, as their normal hunger come back.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
