Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its inaugural advice on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread access to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, through measures like voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
These medications imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost the sense of being full so people eat less.
Individuals commonly begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, because their normal appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
