Less than a tenth of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first recommendations on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just access to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing considerable body mass, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current most optimistic scenario, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The guideline urges countries and companies to increase access, by measures such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so individuals eat less.
Individuals typically see weight reduction in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the drug, because their usual appetite resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your likelihood for contracting health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
