Fewer than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the medications.
With in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide currently obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to projections, more than two billion will be living with obesity by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with comprehensive and continuous care," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to broad access to the injections that can help people shift significant body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even under the current best projected outlook, the supply of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – less than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The advice urges governments and firms to widen availability, through strategies such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the core ingredient of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Injections Work
The injections mimick a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients typically begin shedding pounds after several weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion within a year of halting the medication, as their typical hunger resume.
Being overweight or obese increases your chance for experiencing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Obesity impacts people in every country and was responsible for over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
