Under one in 10 individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it issues its initial recommendations on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidance recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong care," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most favorable scenario, the production of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, through approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their normal appetite come back.
Being carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was linked to over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
