Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the drugs.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Per estimates, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous treatment," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the present best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the WHO.
The advice calls on countries and companies to increase access, through approaches including patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
The injections mimick a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so users reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the drug, because their typical appetite come back.
To be overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific cancers.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
