Under a tenth of people who could benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it publishes its inaugural advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
According to estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and ongoing support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are key barriers to universal access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing substantial weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost satiety so users reduce food intake.
Patients usually begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, because their normal appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for contracting diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
