Less than a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy have access to them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first recommendations on the drugs.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with holistic and lifelong support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to universal availability to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present best projected outlook, the supply of such drugs might only reach about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The guideline urges governments and firms to widen access, by approaches like patent sharing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
These medications replicate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase satiety so users reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, as their usual food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
