Under a tenth of patients who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it releases its inaugural recommendations on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 individuals worldwide now obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
According to forecasts, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"The latest guidelines affirms that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are significant hurdles to widespread availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, notes the body.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the present most optimistic scenario, the supply of such drugs would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, per the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase availability, through measures including voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the core component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Jabs Operate
These medications mimick a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People typically see weight reduction after several weeks of beginning the regular doses.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the drug, as their normal appetite return.
Being above a healthy weight elevates your risk for developing diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity concerns individuals in all nations and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
