Fewer than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its first advice on the drugs.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are key hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can help people shift substantial weight, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Despite the current most optimistic case, the supply of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a biological compound to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Evidence indicates people may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, because their normal hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for experiencing health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts people in all nations and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
