Less than 10% of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is urging increased and just access to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, more than two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with comprehensive and ongoing care," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to universal availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current best projected outlook, the manufacturing of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The guideline urges countries and companies to expand availability, by measures like patent sharing.
The intellectual property rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in several nations in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Work
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals consume fewer calories.
People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence suggests users may see weight return within a year of halting the treatment, when their usual appetite resume.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for experiencing diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some malignancies.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
