Fewer than a tenth of patients who could benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial advice on the drugs.
Considering in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is urging broader and more equitable access to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, over two billion could be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," said its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to widespread access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant weight, explains the body.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Even under the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs would only suffice for about 100 million people – less than 10% of those who need them, according to the health organization.
The advice calls on countries and companies to expand availability, via measures including patent sharing.
A patent on a key compound – the core component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Jabs Operate
GLP-1 drugs mimick a natural hormone to slow digestion, reduce hunger and enhance the sense of being full so individuals eat less.
Individuals usually start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research indicates people may see weight return after a year of stopping the treatment, as their typical food cravings resume.
Being overweight or obese elevates your risk for contracting diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Obesity affects people in countries worldwide and was responsible for millions of deaths worldwide in 2024, per the health agency.
