Under a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its first guidance on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per forecasts, over two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with holistic and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to universal access to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present best projected scenario, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to widen access, through approaches including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your risk for contracting health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
