Fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to widespread availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current best projected case, the production of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, by approaches including voluntary licensing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
The injections imitate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests people may regain a significant portion a year later of stopping the drug, as their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight elevates your chance for experiencing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight concerns individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
