Under 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have access to them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its first guidance on the medications.
With more than one billion people worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and lifelong treatment," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are major obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can help people shift substantial body mass, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the present best projected outlook, the supply of these medications would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, through approaches like patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Function
The injections mimick a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and increase feelings of fullness so users eat less.
People commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to people may see weight return after a year of halting the treatment, because their usual hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood for experiencing health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
