Fewer than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it releases its first guidance on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
According to forecasts, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The advice urges countries and companies to expand access, via measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
These medications mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals usually see weight reduction in the initial weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Research suggests users may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their normal appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing medical conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight concerns individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
