Under 10% of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, states the World Health Organization as it releases its initial advice on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide currently obese, it is urging broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a long-term condition that can be addressed with holistic and continuous treatment," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are key obstacles to broad availability to the jabs that can help people shift substantial weight, says the organization.
Skinny Jab Supply Crisis
Even under the current most favorable case, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages governments and firms to increase access, by measures such as licensing agreements.
The intellectual property rights on the active ingredient – the main ingredient of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Jabs Function
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and boost the sense of being full so people consume fewer calories.
People commonly see weight reduction after several weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to users may regain a significant portion a year later of halting the treatment, when their usual food cravings resume.
Being above a healthy weight raises your chance for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
