Less than a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy can access them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial guidance on the medications.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now obese, it is urging more widespread and fairer availability to this class of drugs.
Based on projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 if no action is taken.
"Our latest guidance recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, insufficient output, and supply-chain constraints are significant barriers to widespread availability to the injections that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the present best projected scenario, the supply of such drugs might only reach around 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, as stated by the WHO.
The advice encourages governments and firms to expand availability, by strategies including voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the primary component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Drugs Function
The injections imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and boost feelings of fullness so people reduce food intake.
People typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies suggests patients may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the medication, when their typical hunger resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your likelihood for developing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
