Less than one in 10 patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its first recommendations on the drugs.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is advocating for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Based on forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our latest guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with holistic and lifelong care," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key obstacles to widespread access to the injections that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most favorable case, the production of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to widen access, through approaches such as patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and boost feelings of fullness so users eat less.
Patients usually see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, as their usual food cravings come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for contracting diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
