Less than 10% of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is urging increased and just availability to these injectable treatments.
Based on projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidance acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and ongoing support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to universal availability to the jabs that can help people shift significant weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most favorable case, the production of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, according to the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to widen access, by measures like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in several countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Function
The injections replicate a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of beginning the once-weekly jabs.
Studies suggests patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of discontinuing the treatment, when their typical hunger come back.
To be carrying excess weight raises your likelihood for developing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and specific cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
