Fewer than a tenth of patients that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, states the global health agency as it publishes its inaugural guidance on the therapies.
With over a billion people worldwide currently obese, it is urging increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per forecasts, in excess of 2,000,000,000 could be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with thorough and continuous support," said the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and logistical bottlenecks are significant hurdles to universal access to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing substantial body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the present best projected outlook, the manufacturing of such drugs could only cover about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of those who need them, per the health organization.
The guideline encourages countries and companies to increase availability, via approaches like voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Obesity Jabs Work
These medications imitate a natural hormone to reduce digestion speed, reduce hunger and enhance satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Patients commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Research points to people may regain a significant portion after a year of stopping the treatment, as their normal food cravings come back.
To be carrying excess weight increases your risk for experiencing medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and certain malignancies.
Obesity affects individuals in every country and was responsible for 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
