Under a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, states the WHO as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With over a billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for increased and just availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be addressed with holistic and continuous care," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are significant obstacles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most favorable scenario, the production of such drugs would only suffice for around 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation encourages nations and manufacturers to widen availability, via measures like licensing agreements.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs replicate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and increase the sense of being full so people eat less.
Individuals commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Studies indicates people may put most of the weight back on within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their normal appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
