Less than a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy have access to them, states the WHO as it issues its first recommendations on the therapies.
With over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
Per estimates, in excess of 2,000,000,000 will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are significant barriers to broad availability to the injections that can help people shift substantial weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the present most favorable scenario, the supply of these medications might only reach about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Work
GLP-1 drugs mimick a body's own hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and increase satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
People commonly see weight reduction within a few weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to users may put most of the weight back on a year later of halting the medication, because their usual food cravings resume.
To be carrying excess weight raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight impacts individuals in all nations and was associated with millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
