Under 10% of individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy can access them, states the global health agency as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, more than two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that excess weight is a chronic disease that can be managed with thorough and continuous treatment," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are major barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing significant weight, notes the organization.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the manufacturing of GLP-1 therapies might only reach around 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, as stated by the health organization.
The recommendation urges countries and companies to expand availability, by strategies such as patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the main component of the drug Wegovy – is scheduled to end in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
These medications imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, suppress the appetite and enhance satiety so users consume fewer calories.
Patients typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Research points to users may see weight return after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their typical hunger return.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for developing health problems, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
