Less than 10% of people eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy can access them, caution the WHO as it publishes its first advice on the therapies.
Considering more than one billion people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Based on forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The new guidance acknowledges that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong support," remarked its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major barriers to universal availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial weight, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic scenario, the production of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the WHO.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to expand access, through strategies like voluntary licensing.
A patent on a key compound – the primary ingredient of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to slow digestion, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Evidence indicates patients may put most of the weight back on after a year of halting the drug, because their typical hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your chance for developing diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in all nations and was linked to 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
