Less than a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, warns the WHO as it issues its initial advice on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide currently obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong treatment," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can help people shift considerable weight, says the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current most favorable scenario, the supply of GLP-1 therapies could only cover around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The guideline calls on governments and firms to increase availability, via measures like licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
The injections replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals eat less.
Patients commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to people may see weight return after a year of halting the drug, as their typical food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
