Fewer than one in 10 people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with thorough and continuous treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current best projected outlook, the supply of these medications could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to increase access, via measures such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
People usually start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may see weight return within a year of stopping the treatment, when their typical appetite come back.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
