Less than a tenth of patients eligible to benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the global health agency as it publishes its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide currently classified as obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to GLP-1 medication.
Based on projections, in excess of 2,000,000,000 are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines acknowledges that excess weight is a lifelong illness that can be managed with comprehensive and lifelong support," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are major obstacles to universal availability to the injections that can assist patients in reducing significant body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Even in the current most favorable outlook, the production of these medications might only reach approximately 100 million people – under 10% of eligible patients, per the WHO.
The recommendation calls on governments and firms to increase availability, by strategies such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on semaglutide – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in multiple nations in 2026.
The Way Obesity Drugs Function
The injections imitate a natural hormone to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and increase satiety so people consume fewer calories.
Individuals typically start to lose weight after several weeks of starting on the regular doses.
Studies points to users may regain a significant portion within a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their usual hunger return.
To be overweight or obese raises your risk for developing diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and certain malignancies.
Obesity impacts individuals in countries worldwide and was responsible for 3.7 million fatalities worldwide in 2024, according to the health agency.
