Under one in 10 patients that would benefit from obesity jabs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial advice on the therapies.
Considering over a billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to GLP-1 medication.
According to projections, over two billion will be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines recognises that obesity is a long-term condition that can be treated with comprehensive and continuous support," remarked the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, constrained manufacturing, and logistical bottlenecks are significant barriers to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present best projected outlook, the production of these medications might only reach around 100 million people – less than 10% of eligible patients, as stated by the WHO.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to increase access, via approaches such as patent sharing.
Exclusive production rights on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is due to expire in several nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Operate
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness so users consume fewer calories.
People typically begin shedding pounds within a few weeks of beginning the weekly injections.
Research indicates users may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, when their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese raises your chance for contracting health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and certain cancers.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was linked to over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
