Fewer than a tenth of people that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the therapies.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is advocating for broader and more equitable access to this class of drugs.
Per projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The latest guidelines affirms that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with holistic and ongoing treatment," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal access to the injections that can help people shift considerable weight, explains the organization.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the current most favorable outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand access, by approaches including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main ingredient of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Operate
The injections imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals consume fewer calories.
Patients commonly start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the once-weekly jabs.
Studies points to patients may regain a significant portion a year later of discontinuing the drug, as their typical hunger come back.
Being above a healthy weight raises your likelihood for contracting diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity concerns people in countries worldwide and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
