Under 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to increase access, by approaches including patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so users reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the medication, because their typical food cravings return.
Being above a healthy weight increases your chance for contracting diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
