Less than 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the drugs.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer availability to these injectable treatments.
Per projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and ongoing care," remarked WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even in the current most favorable case, the supply of such drugs could only cover around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline calls on nations and manufacturers to increase availability, by measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Drugs Function
These medications replicate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies indicates people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, when their usual hunger resume.
To be overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting diseases, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight concerns people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
