Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its first recommendations on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong care," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to broad access to the jabs that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even in the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to widen access, by approaches like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
These medications mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and boost feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients usually start to lose weight in the initial weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, as their typical hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO.
