Fewer than one in 10 individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it issues its inaugural advice on the medications.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just access to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to widespread access to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand access, through measures such as patent sharing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
The injections mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies indicates patients may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the treatment, as their typical appetite return.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
