Under a tenth of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, warns the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now classified as obese, it is urging broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
According to projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the current best projected scenario, the manufacturing of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, per the health organization.
The recommendation encourages governments and firms to expand access, by measures including licensing agreements.
A patent on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so users consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Evidence points to people may put most of the weight back on a year later of discontinuing the medication, when their normal food cravings return.
Being carrying excess weight increases your likelihood for developing medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
